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A REPORT
Record Commissioners
CITY OF BOSTON,
CONTAINING THE
BOSTON RECORDS FROM 1729 TO 1742.
BOSTON:
ROCKWELL AND CHURCHILL, CITY PRINTERS,
No. 39 ARCn STREET.
1885.
f ni" \
V > \ '?-
[Document 66 — 1885.]
CITY OF iSSi BOSTON.
A REPORT
RECORD COMMISSIONERS.
This volume, being the Twelfth Report of the Record
Commissioners, is the fourth volume devoted to the Records
of the Town. It covers the period from the Town Meeting
of March 10, 1728-29, through the last meeting in 1742.
Between pages 63 and 64 will be found the copy of a
Plan of certain Fortifications projected in A.D. 1733, as
drawn in the original volume.
Preparations have been made to continue the publication
of these Records, and the public interest in them shows no
sign of abatement.
The Thirteenth Report, now in press, contains a continua-
tion of the Selectmen's Records. The Tenth Report is still
uncompleted.
William H. Whitmore,
William S. Appleton,
Record Coiiimissioners.
City Hall, Boston, April, 1883.
BOSTON TOWN EECORDS.
Anna Domini : 1 728 —
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly Qualified being Regulerly Assembled in a
Publick Town Meeting at the Town House in Boston On Monday
the Tenth day of March : 1728 :
After Prayer By the Rev*^ M"" Sam" Checkley, Elisha Cooke Esq'
is Chosen Moderator for This Meeting.
Sundry Laws Against Imorallity &c Read.
Sundry Petitions and Motions Read — Viz'
About Paving in Coiiion Street
About Paving in Sudbury Street
About A Schoolmaster at Rumny Marsh
About the High Way in Sumer Street
Co" Thomas Fitches Present of Armes to the town
m"" Peter Plins Petition .
About Paving in Bennet Street.
About Laying out A High way in the Comon.
The Constables Memorial.
A motion About the Representatives,
m"^ Nathan" Willims About an Usher
Willians & Rowe, Petition
M' Sam" Waldos Petition
Sam" Checkley Esq'^ Chose Town Clerk & Sworn.
Voted to Chuse Assessors distinct from Selectmen
Voted to Chuse Seven Selectmen,
mess" John Baker
J on a" Waldo
Timothy Prout
Oxenbride Thatcher )- Chose Selectmen
David Farnum
John Hunt
Jona° Williams
Joseph Wads worth Esq"' Chosen Town Treasu'' for the year Ensuing
Voted to Chuse 16 : Constables
Voted to Chuse : 7 : Overseers of the Poor
Daniel Oliver
Timothy Clark }- Esq'
John Ruck
mess"" James Gouch )• Chose Overseers of the Poor
Sam" Greenwood
Jeflry Bedgood
Jona" Jackson
City Docitment No. QQ.
Votes for a Couuty Treasurer, were 147 Votes were Sealed up by
Constable Salte"" and Ordered Him to Deliver to the Clerk of the
Peace of the County
Voted that the Meeting be adjorned untill three of the Clock.
[3.]
John Greenlief
Sworn"
Robert Watts - -r
Sworn
Edward Tothill
Pay'd
Robert Harris
Paid
George Hannahs
Paid
Thomas Gording -
Paid
Isaac "White -
Paid
Joseph Leasonby -
Nathan" Emms
Sworn
Paid
- Chosen Constables
John Lee
Sworn
John Merrett -
Pay'd
Zecha'' Hubbard
Paid
Moses Greenlief -
Paid
Mathew Adams
Paid
Nicholas Belknap -
Excused
Joseph Dodge
Excused
Upon The Petition of Rumny Marsh for Alowanee for A School-
master there —
Voted to ad Twenty Pounds to what they formerly A lowed to
m'' Thomas Chever for the year Ensuing Provided that the inhab-
itants there procure A sutable Person to the Satisfaction of the
Selectmen
Officers Chosen for Rumny Marsh Viz'
John Laith for Constable & Sworn
Jacob Chamberlin a Sealer of Leath""
Isaac Lewis - - & Thomas Pratt Ju'^ Fence Viewers.
Daniel Wats - - Sworn
Sam*^ Pratt : Sworn
Hoggreves
The Selectmen having ConTunicated to the Town A Letter from
the Hon*"'^ Thomas Fitch P^sq'' Dated the first Instant Signifying,
That He did Present to the Town Two Hundred and fifteen Fire-
locks with Bayonets fitted to them, to be for the use of the Town
of Boston forever
The Town with great unanimity proceed to vote their Thanks
for So Valuable and Generous A Present And agreeable to the
Desire of the Doner likewise Voted That they will keep the Same or
the like Number of Good Fire Locks with Bayonets Fitted to them
from time to time in Good Order and Fitt for Service for the Nec-
essary Defence of this Town. And Voted That the Hon'^'*' Elisha
Cook Adam WinthrO'P Esq'"' and m*" John Baker, be A Comittee
in behalf of the Town To Waite upon the Honourable Co"
Thomas Fitch, with their Thanks and a Coppy of the Votes Afore
Said —
Then the Meeting Adjorned untill tomorrow-Morning at Eight
of the Clock —
Boston Town Eecords, 1728.
The Town Mett According to their Adjornment —
[3.] mess" Jona" Loring
Samuel White
Joshua Chever
Caleb Lyman
Samuel Adams
Jonas Clark
Daniel Loring
Jacob Royall
Excused "1
Sworn
Excused
-rr ' 1 i^ Chosen Assessors.
Jixcused '
Sworn
Joseph Russell
Nathan'^ Barber
John Callender
John Gouch
John Knight
W" Price : a Trooper ;
John Marshall Ditto
Mark Day
Francis Wardell
Joseph Rix
William Eustis
Icabod Rogers
Thomas Foster
Earth" Sutten
James Barnet
William Jepson
Thomas Townsend
Robert Williams :
James Dawson —
James Penimaii
Sworn
Paid
Sworn ^
Sworn !
Excusd
p -^ VI ^ Chose Constables.
; Exxcud
Excusd
Excused ^
Sworn 1
Sworn
Sworn j' Fence Viewers.
Sworn J
Sworn ""j
Sworn j
Sworn j- Sealers of Leather.
Sworn
Sworn
William Lee
William Young
Sam" Warden
P^dward Moberly
Joshua Thornton Sworn
John Adams
Edward Richards
1
o [Viewers of Shingles Measurs
• of Board & Timber &c
Edward Emerson
Sam" Baylie Jun.
Thomas Sirapkins
David Mason
Joseph Poumery :
Andrew Eliot
Sam" Gardner
Wiir Torry
Sworn '
Sworn
Sworn
paid
Sworn
paid
Refused
Sworn
y Clerks of Market.
W™ Greenlief Sworn"]
Benja, Demmon Sworn { „
Samuel Torry Jua"- Sworn f ^logreves.
Bridges Read Sworn J
City Document No. Q6.
[4:.]
Waltei' Goodridge
John Wolland
Jeram* Beknap
Nathan" Gooding
Edward Dnrant
Sam" Rand
Thomas Moffatt
Joseph Turell
Joseph Hasley
David Melvell
Mathew Adams
William Salter
Benja" Emmans
Andrew Tyler
Benja" Pollard
W" Cunningham
Thomas Mitchel
Ralph Smith
Joseph Williams
Joseph Rix
Jona° Getchell -
Knight Leveret -
William Warner
Ebenezer Hough
John Winslow
Chosen Scavengers.
J
Sworn '
Sworn
Excus'd
Excus'd
Pay'd
Pay'd
Sworn
Pay'd
Sworn
Constables
Voted That the Selectmen and Such as they Shall desire to Ac
company them be the Inspectors of the Schools for the year
Ensueing —
Voted That Co" Thomas Fitch, Co" Adam Winthrop ; Co"
Edward Hutchinson Nathan" Green Esq" & m"" Jacob Wendell or
any three of them be A Collittee to Auditt the Treasurers Accounts
for the year Ensuing —
Voted That Joseph Wadsworth Esq'" Town Treasurer be Alowed
& Paid out of the Town Treasury the Sum of One Hundred Pounds
for His Service in the Said Office for the year Last past
Post Meridiem
In answar to the Petition for Paving in Cotnon Street &c
Voted a Grant of the Petition, Provided the Abutters do their
part as usual.
On the Motion of m'' Nathan" Williams for Another Usher or
Assistant in the School —
Voted That there be Alowed the Sum of Eighty Pounds for
another Usher of the Said School, when A Sutable Person is Pro-
vided to the Satisfaction of the Selectmen as usual — The Money
to be paid as usual from His being Intraduced —
In Answer To the Petition of m'' Peter Blin —
Voted that there be an Aditian to the Sallary of m' Peter Blin
for the year Ensuing The Sum of Twenty Pounds —
In Answar to the Petition for Laying out a Highway in the
Common —
Boston Town Ee cords, 1728. 5
Voted That the Selectmen View the Place and Repor to the Next
Meeting what they think is best to be don —
In Answar to A Proposal to Consider the Marsh in the Common
Voted that the Selectmen be desired to View the place and
Report to the Next Meeting what they think advisable therein
Voted That the Selectmen be Surveyers of the Highways for the
year Ensuing —
[5.] On the Petition about the Way in Summer Sti'eet
Voted That the Selectmen be desired to View the Said Street
and the Circomstances of it and make Report to the next meeting
what may be best to be don thereon
On the Petition for Paving in Sudbury Street & Cold lane —
Voted the Petition be granted on Usual Conditions —
John Billings paid^
Charles Henly Sworn Lhose Constables.
Benja Mason Sworn |
Joseph Scott pay J
In answar to The Constables Petition
Voted That the Assessors be Impowred to make Reasonable
Abatement to the first day of June next —
On the Petition about Paving in Benuet Street.
Voted That the Selectmen View the Place and that they act
therein what they Judge best :
On m"" Sam" Waldos Petition about Land at the Dock
Voted That that be left with the Selectmen to Consider it &
Report to the next Meeting their thoughts thereon
On W"" Ilollowells Petition About Milk Street Read and Dismist
Then the Meeting Adjornd till to Morrow Half an hour after
two : in the After noon —
Benja Neal - - Sworn^
Sam" Oakes - - Sworn \ ^^ , , ,
,,,, M . o > Constables
Ihomas Armstrong Sworn f
John Holyoke Excus'dJ
Voted That the Selectmen for the time being further take care
for the Repairing the Mill Biidge according to the Agreement with
the Mill Owners
Voted That the Several Constables for the year Ensuing be
Alowed the Sum of three pence upon the Pounds for Collecting
the Rates, They paying in to the Several Treasurers, the One halfe
of the Sums Comitted to them to Collect by the first day of Feb-
ruary Next, and Compleat the whole by the first day of June next
after.
mess" Sam" Adams & )
Jona° Loring ]
Chosen Selectmen in the Room of
m' John Baker & Jon" Waldo who Refused
m"' Edward Procter Sworn | .
m^ John Tyler Excus'd j ^^sessars —
Nathan" Greenwood : rSworn Constable
m"" W" Tyler Chose Assessar & Paid
6 City Docuivient No. 6^.
Voted That the Sum of Three Hundred pounds out of the
mone}^ to be Raised be Improved for Pavhig
Voted A Grant of four Thousand Seven Hundred Pounds To be
Raised on the Inhabitants and Estates within this Town, for Re-
leif of the Poor, Defraying the Charges of the watch, Paving &
Other Necessary Charges arising within and for the Town the
Year Ensuing
Sundry Proposals Read Viz'
Whether it might be for the Towns Intrest to make a well
at the Town Dock — Voted the Cosideration to the Next Meet-
ing
[6.] What may be don about Repairing the Wharf near the
North Battery Improved by Sam" Clark
Voted That it be left for further Consideratian to the Next
Meeting, And that the Selectmen in the Mean time be Desired to
Enquire into and take the Proposals of any that Shall Appear &
Offer and Report the Same to the Town :
On messu"^ Colmau & Williams Petition about Paving in Cold
Lane —
Voted That the Petition be Granted —
Upon a Motion made That the Town would take into Considera-
tion the Extraordinary Circumstances of their present Representa-
tives : After mature Deliberation thereon
For asmuch as the Last Sessions of the General Court was
Continued to an unusual length Viz' from the 24'^ of July last to
the 20"" of Decem'' Following, And from the 31"" of Octo''Last was
held at Salem, Which Necessarily Exposed the Said Representa-
tives to unusual Charge as well as great Fatigue and Hardship :
And Whereas the Said Members have Behaved as Very Loyal
Subjects to Our most Gratious Sovarine King George the Second,
And Stedfastly Adhered to the Rights and Priviledges of the
People of this Province, And haue bin hitherto Extraordinarily
Prevented any Allowances
Therfore Voted That the Town Treasurer Pay to Each of the
Representatives Their Respective allowances as Stated by Law
And the Further Sum of One Hundred & Twenty Pounds to be
Equally Divided between them —
At a Meeting of the Freeholders & Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston Duly Qualified being Regulerly Assembled in a
Publick Town meeting at the Town House Tuesday May the 6""
1729 —
After Prayer by the Rev* m'^ Thomas Prince Elisha Cooke Esq'
Chose Moderator for this Meeting
Sundr}' Petitions Read Viz'
About a place for the Grainery
About m'' Peleg Wiswalls Sallary
About m"" Edward Mills Sallary
m'" Sam'^ Oakes Petition
m"" Jera Condys Petition
The Selectmens Report of Sundry things left to them
Voted to Chuse 4 Representatives
Boston Town Records, 1728-29. 7
The Number of Voters were - - 192
votes.
Elisha Cooke Esq"^ 188 ^
m'' Thomas Cushina: - 190 ! r„ -r, ^ j_.
uf Ezek'^ Lewis - 190 \ ^^'^'^ Representatives
m^ Sam'' Welles - 184 J
Anno 1729
[7.] Voted To Chnse a Coiiiittee to Prepare Instructions for
the Representatives for their Acting at the General Court at their
Approching Session, And to Laj' them befor the Meeting in the
Afternoon —
Voted: That John Alford Esq' mes'^ Henry Bering & Nath"
Cunuigham be the Said Committee —
On the Petition of Sundry Inhabitants about the Situatian of
the Grain ery
Voted That m'' Moderator & the Selectmen be Joyned with the
the Coinittee appointed for Building the Grainery, Be desired to
View the Place, And make Return of their Opinion thereof to the
Meeting after Dinner this Day —
m'' John Jeffers Excus'd ) rn. a
m-- Thomas Moffat Excus'd | ^^^'^^ Assessors.
Edward Maycomb - Sworn ^
John Spooner - -Sworn V Clerks of the Market,
Nathan" Cobbit - Sworn J
Post Meridiem.
Voted That the Grainery be Erected and Set up Rainging with
the Line of the Burying place on the Comon fronting Eastward,
The Said Building to be not Less then forty feet distant from the
Sout Corner of the Brick wall of the Burying place —
m'' James Pemberton - Pay ) .
m' James Watson - Sworn j ^^^^^^°^'^-
In as much as the Gramer School at the North End of the Town
of which m"" Peleg Wiswall is the Master is much Increaced in the
Number of the Schollers, and that no Usher is alowed to assist him
in his School :
Voted That there be an Additian of Forty Pounds to the Said
m"^ Wiswalls Salary —
Sam" Oakes Petition Read & Dismist —
In Answar to m"" Edward Mills His Petitian.
Voted That there be an Addition of Twenty Pounds to the Said
m'' Edward Mills Sallary —
Upon A Motion made by Elisha Cook Esq"" That the Dividing
Line Itetween the Towns Land in the Occupation of m'' Nathan'^
Williams and His Land on the East Side in School Street is for
want of due Care become Crucked, intrenching both upon the One
and the Others Land, That therfore they would Direct and Im-
pwer the Selectmen to Rcctifie that line as to them Seems Just
and Eqiiital)le — And Further That they would be pleased to Ac-
comodate him with about two feet of the Front of his Land next
8 City Document No. 66.
m^ Williams on Such Terms as the Selectmen Shall Agree for with
the Said m"^ Cooke —
Read and Voted That it be left with the Selectmen to Act therein
as they Judge Meet —
[8.] On the Petition of m^ Jerain Condy for Addition to his Salary
Voted that the Consideration of Said Petition be Referred for
further Consideration to the Next Town Meeting, and That in the
mean time Nathan" Green John Alford PIsq" & m' Thomas Cushing
Jun"" are desired to Inspect the Several Wrighting Schools within
this Town at Such time as they Shall think Advisable for the year
Currant, And that they do in an Espesial Maiier Vizit m"" Condys
School and Report to the Town at their Meeting the Ability and
Industry of the Said m' Condy and the Proficiency of the Schollers
under His Tuition —
The Comittee this day chosen & Appointed to Prepare Instruc-
tions for the Representatives, for their Acting at the General
Court at their Approching Session And to Lay before the Meeting
in the afternoon — Return as Follows : Viz'
To Elisha Cooke Esq"" Mess" Thomas Cushing, Ezekiel Lewis &
Samuel Welles : —
Gentlemen —
Your known Loyalty to His Present Majesty King George, and
Sincear Atachment to the Successian in the Illustrious House of
Hannover, Your Hearty Love to this Your native Country, Your
Singuler Value for the Liberty & Propperty of this People, your
Chearfull and Unamous Concurrance to promote our Best Intrist,
And your Approved Integrity in those Publick Stations wherein
you haue bin Employed, Haue fixed the Eyes of this Town on and
Determined their Choice of you as Propper Persons to Represent
them in the Next General Assembly Wherin they Expect That
you behaue your Selves with your Wonted Zeal and Courage in
Prossecuting those good Designes which may tend to the Peace &
wellfair of these His Majestys Good Subjects, and Secure those
Rights and Priviledges which by the Royal Charter we haue a Just
claim to, and as Englishmen do of Right appertain to us, And agre-
able there unto we Recomend unto you in an Especial Manner —
That you Endeavor to Maintain all our Civil Rights & Propertys
against any Incrochments upon them
That you Continue to Pay a due Regard to His Excellency Our
Governor, and that you Endeavor that He may have an Honoura-
ble Support, But we desire at the Same time That you use your
utmost Endeavor That the Honourable House of Representatives
may not be by any means Prevailed upon or brought uito the Fix-
ing a Certain Sallary for any Certain time. But that they may
Improve their usual freedom in granting their INIoney from time to
time, as they Shall Judg the Province to be able, and in Such a
manner as they Shall think most for the Benefit and advantage
therof, And if your Pay Should be diverted you may Depend on
all the Justice Imaginable from this Town whom you Represent : —
John Alford ^
Henry Dering > Coinittee
Nath" Cuningham 3
Boston Town Kecords, 1729. 9
[9.] The Foregoing Return of the Comitte was Presended
Read Sundry times and
Voted Approved.
The Report of the Selectmen upon Several Votes of the Town
at their Meeting the 10'^ of March 1728 : were Read & Considred
Viz'
The Selectmen haue Viewed the Marsh at the Bottom of the
Comon, and not finding any Material use that can be made of it at
the present, and Consideiing the Present Circomstances of the
Town Are of Opinion it is best to ly in the Condition it now is.
Read and the Report Accepted —
Also Having Viewed Summer Street, We find it in a very bad
Condition Since the Stoping of the Antient Water cource, And That
there is no way to help it but by Paving —
Upon Condition the Abutters on Said Street as has bin Accus-
tomed — It will be Convenient for the Town to Pane the Midle
part. And do as much as can be conveniently don this Sunier
Read and Voted Accordingly —
As to the Proposals About Bennet Street — It is thought Con-
venient to be Paved if the Town thinke it Convenient to Raise
Money for the Doing it at this Meeting.
Read, and Refer'd for further Consideration to the Next March
Meeting
On the Petition of m'" Samuel Waldo —
We think it not proper for the Town to Dispose of Such a peace
of Land under their present Circomstances
Read and the Report Accepted —
As to the Repair of the Wharf at the North Batter}' —
It is thought Convenient — That m"^ Sam^' Clark be Ordered to
Clear the Wharf And that the Town let it to Some Person that
may Offer to Repair it And keep it in Repair for A term of j-ears
as the Selectmen Shall think Advisable
Read and Voted to be left with the Selectmen —
As for the Petition for Laying out a Highway in the Common —
We haue Viewed the Place, And in Favor of the Petitioners do
think it Convenient to Measure off Thirty foot from ra'' Colsons
Corner post, towards the School House and So A Straight Line
to m"" Sheafs, And there Sett off Thirty foot, for Said Way of the
Towns Land, Provided the Petitioners make the Way Streight on
their Side.
Read & Voted Rejected —
Voted That a Survey'd Plan be taken by Some Skillfull Sur-
veyor or Surveyrs of the Lands of this Town belonging to the
Town. In Order for the Same to be putt upon the Towns Records,
to Prevent Incroachments on the Towns Intrest.
The Selectmen to take Care that this work be effected —
Voted That the Sum of Three Hundred Pounds be Raised on the
Inhabitants and Estates within this Town for Defraying the Towns
Charge and more Espetialy Paving —
[10.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston duly Qualified being Regulerly Assembled
10 City Document No. OG.
iu a Publick Town Meeting at the Town House Wednesday — June
the 11th 1729 —
m'' Jonathan Waldo Chosen Moderator for this Meeting :
m'' Jacob Sheaf was Cbose Assessor for the year Ensuing
Whereas m'' Thomas Gushing, Nathan" Green Esq' and m'
Ezekiel Lewis, were on May the 8th 1727 : —
Imponred and Directed to Prossecute in the Law all Such Per-
sons as Shall be found Trespassers upon the Towns Land Claimed
by the Late Eliak'' Hutchinson Esq'' Deceaced.
Voted That the Said m'^ Tliomas Cushing, Nathan" Green Esq''
and m'' Ezek'^ Lewis, Be further Desired & Imponred — to Pros-
secute the Same in the Law to Effect —
Voted To Reconsider, The Vote of the Sixth of may last past
about placing the Grainery —
Voted That the Grainery be placed, According to the First
Projection of the Committee appointed for Building the Grainery
where the foundation is already Lay'd.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly Qualified being Regulerly Assembled in A
Publick Town Meeting at the Town Honse in Boston on Monday
the Second Day of February : 1729 —
After prayer by the Rev : m" John Webb :
Elisha Cooke Esq'' was Chose Moderator for this Meeting
The Questian was Put
Whether it be in the Power of the Town by Law to Raise Money
to be Transmitted To the Agents of the House of Representatives
in Great Britain as Pointed to in the Warrant :
Voted in the Negatiue :
Voters in the Negatiue - - 161
Voters in the Afermatiue - 91
The Question being Put whether there Should be any further
Votes at this time put about this Matter Voted in the Afermatiue.
Voters for - - 164
Voters against it - 121
The Question being Put whether The Town will by A Vote
Recomend a Voluntary Collection or Contrabution of Money to be
Remitted to Francis Wilks & Jonathan Belcher Esq" to Enable
them to Appear at the Court of Great Britain Agents in Behalf of
the Honourable the House of Representatiue of this Province —
Voted in the Afermatiue, And that the Selectmen or Such as
they Shall appoint be Desired & Impowred to Transact in that
Affair.
[11.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston duly Qualified being regulerly Assembled
in A Publick Town Meeting at the Town House on Monday March
the 9*1^1 729 —
After Prayer by the Rev*^ m"" Thomas Foxcroft —
Elisha Cooke Esq'' is Chosen Moderator for this Meeting —
Boston Town Records, 1729.
11
Sundiy Laws Against Tmorality &c Kead
Sundry Petitions and Motions, Read Viz'
About Paving in Fisli Street
About Paving in King Street
To Constables Petition
m'' Jeremiah Condys Motion
Sam^^ Clieckley Esq" Chose Town Clerk & Sworn
Voted to Chuse seven Selectmen distinct from Assessors.
messurs : Timothy Prout
Oxenbridge Thatcher
David Farnum
John Hunt
Jona° Williams
Jona"^ Loring -
Samuel Adams
Refused^
Refused |
Refused j- Chose Selectmen
Refused
Joseph Wadsworth Esq'^ Chose Town Treasurer for the year
Ensuing
Daniel Oliver, Esq'
Timothy Clarke Esq'
. mess' Samuel Greenwood
Jeffery Bedgood
Jona'' Jackson
Jacob Wendall Esq'
Jona"" Waldo - Refused
\- Chose Overseers of the Poor
Voted that the Consideration of Inoculation be debated in the
afternoon
Voted that the Meeting be Adjorned to thi-ee of the Clock in the
afternoon —
Post Meridiem.
Voted to Chuse but eight Constables for the year E^nsueing
Voted For a County Treasurer were 162 votes which were
Sealed up by Constable Russell, and by Him were Delivered to the
Clerke of the Peace then in the Meeting —
Voted That the Several Constables to be Chosen for the year
Ensuing Shall be Alowed and Paid to them the Sum of three
pence on the Pound for Collecting the Rates or Taxes that Shall
be Cornitted to them to Collect They paying in to the Several
Treasurars the One halfe of the Sums Comitted to them by the
first day of February Next and Compleat the whole by the first
day of June Next Following
Voted That the Assessors be Impowred to make Reasonable
Abatement untill the first day of June Next Coming —
John Frizel . . _ payd "
John Barrel Jun' - Excus'd
Samuel Miller - - Excus'd
Thomas Simkins - Excus'd
Joseph Rix . _ . Paid
Jeremiah Allin - - Excus'd
Benja Thwing - - - Paid
Sam'^ Kneeland - - Excus'd
>■ Chosen Constables
12
City Document No. 66.
[13.] John Ruck Esq"^ Chose overseer of the Poore
mess^' Samuel White ")
Joshua Chever !> Chose Selectmen
Johu Cohnan
Andrew Tyler
John Wendall
Isaac Dupee -
James Bcighton
Thomas Hill -
John Franklin
Thomas Ruck
Benjam" Swain
George Campbel
Refused
Payd^
Paid
paid
paid
Sworn
Paid
Paid
paid^
> Chose Constables
Voted That mess" Andrew Tyler, John Colman & Henry Bering
be a Comittee to Consider of & Provide Something Relating to
Scavengers Petition and lay it before the Town for their Consid-
eration at the Next Meeting
Voted to Chuse Seven Assessors for the year Ensueing
messu" Jonas Clarke - - -
Caleb Lyman -
Jacob Sheaff -
Daniel Loring
James Watson
John Staniford
Thomas Lee -
- y Chose Assessors
-J
Then the Meeting Adjorned till to Morro morning Eight of the
Clock Tuesday March the 10"^
Joshua Dodge -
James Dawson -
Thomas Townsend
Silence AUin
Thomas Inches -
- Sworn "^
- Sworn 1
- Sworn y Sealers of Leather
- Sworn
- Sworn J
Samuel Wardel
Francis Wardel
Beuja" Russell
John Endicott
Joshua Thornton
Hopestil Foster
John Adams
Sworn '^
Sworn
Sworn
^P'ence Viewers
Sworn
Edward Richards
Edward Moberly
John Adams
Joshua Thornton
Joseph White
William Young
William Pain
John Endicot
Sworn
1
, Vewers of Shingles Measurers
of Boards and Timber &c —
Boston Town Records, 1729.
13
Barth° Green - - Sworn ^
John Blore Sworn
John Holyoke - - Sworn
Jona" Willis
Will'" Custis Sworn
Jona° Williams Jun Sworn
Abijah Adams Sworn
Joseph Rainger Sworn
y Clerks of the Marke'
} Chose Scavengers
[13.] Charles Gyles
Samuel Jones
William Thwing
John Wolland
Jeram* Belknap
Benja° Bridge
John Bruster
Henry Gibbs
Joseph Scott
Cord Wing
John Endicott
Isaac Dastorn
James Cary
John Buttolph
Silence Allin
Thomas Mostatt J
Voted That Joseph Wadsworth Esq'" Town Treasurer be
alowed and Paid out of the Treasury the Sum of One Hundred
Pounds for his Service in that office in the year past —
Voted Thomas Hutchinson Esq"" m"" Ezek" Lewis m'' W" Downs
m"" Tho^ Cushing and m'' Henry Bering or any three of them be a
Coiuitte to Audit the Treasurars Acco"s. for the j'ear Ensueing
Voted That the Selectmen be Sirveyers of the High wayes for
the year Ensueing
Voted That the Selectmen take Care to provide a Master for the
North Writing School, and make a Return of their doings therein
to the next Town Meeting —
Voted That there be Alowed and paid out of the Treasury the
Sum of Forty Pounds towards Paying A Schoolmaster at Rumny
Marsh for the year Ensueing he being A Sutable Person and at-
tending it —
William Cox Sworn ^
Daniel Pecker
Caleb Ray
Thomas Wheeler Jun Sworn j
S Chose Hogg reves
Francis Wells -
John Merrit
Icabod Rogers -
John Fisher
Oliver Lucas -
Thomas Flagg -
Excused "^
Sworn
Excused
paid
Excused
Sworn
► Chose Constables
14 City Document No. QG.
Voted That the Selectmen and Such as thej' Shall desire to
Acompany them be a Comitte to Visit the Publick Schools and
that they direct m"" Peter Blin to a more Constant & diligent appli-
cation to discharge the Trust CoiSitted to him
Officers Chosen for Rumny JMarsh Viz'
John Leathe : Constable
Isaac Lewis - - Sworn") ^^^^^ y^^^^^^
]
Hogg reves
Jacob Hacey - - -
Nathan" Tuttle
William Pain - -
Jacob Chamberlin - - Sealer of Leather
William Webber - - Sworn "^
Samuel Henchman - - pay j ^, n i- ^.^
T , /^ 1 1 TT' > 1 J' Chose Constables
John Osband - - liixcus d [
John Deal - - - Excus'd J
Voted That the Meeting be Adjorned until three of the Clock
after Noon —
[14.] On the Petition for Paving in King Street
Voted That a Sum not Exceeding Two Hundred Pounds be
Alowed and Paid out of the Treasury to be Applyed for and
towards the Raising the Pavement lying before m"" Cooks Build-
ings in King Street that so the wast water may go over into the
Bason. The Several Abutters paying their proportion as usual,
The Money to be paid out of the Treasury b^' the Tax to be made
in the year 1731 :
Voted That Bennet Street, together with an Alley lying on Said
Street leading into Prince Sti'eet be paved. Provided the Several
Abutters on Bennet Street pay two thirds of the whole Charge.
On the Petition for Paving in Fish Street.
Voted The Abutters paying the usual part The Town will do
the Remander —
John Gridley - - Sworn")
Jabez Hunt - - Sworn >- Chose Constable
John Kneeland Jun - Excused j
Voted That Elisha Cooke, Tim° Clarke, Nathaniel Green John
Ruck and Jacob Wendal Esq" be a Comitte to Consider of the
Petition of the Overseers of the Poore, and Make Return to the
Nest May Meeting what they think best to be don about it —
m'' Benjamin Fitch is Chosen A Selectman.
Upon Reading a Petition of Sundry of the Inhabitants and Free
holders of the Town Dated the 24'^ of February past Adresed to
the Selectmen To Insert a Clause in their Next Warrant for Call-
ing a Town Meeting — That the Town Might Consult proper
Methods for preventing the Spreading the Small Pox: by Inocula-
tion —
Since the Date of which Petition a Considerable Number of the
Inhabitants within a few days past haue bin Inoculated, and
Sundry Others are preparing therefore. In Consideration whereof
the Town came into the Following Vote —
Boston Town Kecoeds, 1729. 15
That it be Earnestly Reeomended to the Inhabitants & Freehol-
ders and in an Espesial Manner to Masters of Familj^es. That all
Proper care be taken That Such Persons as Shall for the Future
be Inoculated for the Small Pox do Imediateh' keep in their
Houses First giving notice to the Neighbourhood of Such their
Designs, And that during the Opperation of the Distemper all
proper Methods be taken to prevent it's Spreading, And that they
would not Come or vvalke abroad in the Streets Lanes or Allej's
within the Town untill their Incisions are well Clensed and Healed :
Further That the Practitioners in Phisiek would give to the Select-
men or to the Town Clerk the Number of Persons by them Inocu-
lated once a week at least, with an Impartial Account of the
Operation on their Several Patients in the Cource of their Inocula-
tion—
Voted That the Selectmen be A Committe to Audit the Accounts
of the Grainery, And make A Return thereof to the Next May
Meeting
Voted also That the Selectmen Examine the Accounts of the
Committe for Building the New Grainery & Make Return to May
Meeting
John Taylor sworn ] ^n ^ , , ,
Ebenez'- Clongh Rope Maker paid | ^^°^^ Constables
mess" Jona° Williams, Peter Thomas, & Josiah Byles : Chosen
A CoiSitte to manage the Grain for the year Ensuing
William Coffin — & Excused Chose Constable
Then The Meeting Adjornd until to Moring, Nine of the
Clock —
[15.] Wednesday March the 11th
Voted That the Coinitte appointed to Prosecute to Effect in the
Law the affair of the Towns of the House and Land at the Dock
formerly Claimed by Eliukin Hutchinson Esq^ Deceaced, Haue the
Sum of Thirty Pounds put into their Hands to Carry it on, They
to be Accountable to the Town for it —
William Peck - - paid — : Constable
Voted That the Consideration of Raising Money be Continued
to the Next General Meeting —
Barth° Green Jun Excused: Chose Constable
Benju Langdon - - paid : Chose Constable
Joshua Gill- - - Excused : Chose Constable
Robert Ileadwin - . - Excused : Chose Constable
Richard Salter - - - Chose Constable
and he Appealed to the Sessions -
Peter LTort - - : Sworn : Chose Constable
Voted That the Selectmen be desired to waite upon the Honour-
able Thomas Fitch Esq'' with the Thanl<s of the Town for his So
free Lone of So much Money to the Town for the Purchasing of
wheat for the Towns Use
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the
16 City Document No. 66.
Town of Boston Duly Qualified being Regulerl}^ Assembled in A
Publick Town Meeting at the Town House in Boston on Tuesday
Way the 12"M730:
After Prayer By the Eev"^ m^ Sam" Checldey
Elisha Cooke P^sq"" is Chose Moderator for this Meeting
Sundry Petitions and Motions Read Viz'
Abijah Adams about a Rope walk
Constables Petition
Old Constables Petition
A motion about Cord Wood
The Return of Sundry Committees
Voted to Chuse four Representatives
The Number of Voters were — 530
Votes.
Elisha Cook Esq''
: 405
m'' Thomas Cushing
: 403
m'' Ezek" Lewis
— 410
m"" Samuel Welles
: 387
were Chosen Representatives
Voted the Meeting be Adjorned till four of the Clock afternoon
Post Meridiem.
Cap* John Osborn was Chosen A Selectman
m'^ Richard Buckle3^ Chose An Assessor
m'' Benjamin Clougli Chose a Clerk of the Market
m^' Abijah Adams Petition about a Rope walk was Read and Dis-
mist
The Present Constables Petition Read and Voted a Continuance
for Consideration to the Next March Meeting
On the Petition of the Late Constables Read and Voted That it
be So far Granted That if the Said Constables pay in to the Sev-
eral Treasurors three Quarters of the whole Sums Comitted to them
b}^ the first day of June Next That then they Shall be Alowed
Anno Domini : 1730
[16.] One Mouth longer for the paying in the Remaing
Quarter and be Entitled to the three pence on the Pound for Col-
lecting And the Assessors power for abatments be Continued for
the Said time.
On the Report of the Comittee about the Petition of the Over-
seers of the Poor which was as Follows
The Committee having Viewed the Several Buildings at the
Alraes House are of Opinion. That the most Sutable place for an
Additional Building as Proposed will be at the North East End of
the House of Correction, To Extend thirty feet in Length the
Breadth & Height of the House, To Conform to the Old Building,
which will Aford Six Rooms on the Lower flore & Six in the
Chambers
Elisha Cooke by Order & in behalf of the Comittee
Voted Accepted and Continued the Consideration of it to the
Next March Meeting —
B.OSTON Town Records, 1730. 17
Upon the Report of the Comitte of the Petition of the Scaven-
gers
Voted That the Carters Shall haue Eighteen pence P'' Lood for
Carrjnng away the Dirt, And That the Scavengers haue power to
order a bellman or Some Piopper Person to warn the People
to Rake up their Dirt, And that that Shall be as Etfectual as if
don b}' themselves, And That the Fines on the Carters for Neglect
of Carrying away the Dirt be Augmented to Twenty Shillings —
And That the Selectmen be Desired to prepare A Draft to lay
before the Next meeting in order to haue it past by the Sessions
Voted That the Vote of_the Town of the 25"^ of June 1728.
upon the Report of the Coinittee about the Out Wharfs of May
14'^ 1728 lie and is Renew, and Ordered That it be Coiiiitted to
the Representatives of this Town to La}^ it before the General
Court and That they be Desired to Endeavor to Procure an Act
Accordingly
On the Report of the Comitte for Examining the Acco" for
Building the New Grainery wherin the Ballance was in favour of
the Coinictee four Hundred Eighty Seven pounds three Shillings
& Nine pence —
Voted That the Report be Accepted, And that the Said Sum of
four Hundred Eighty Seven pounds three Shillings & Nine pence
be paid to the Said Coiiiittee out of the Town Treasurj^ —
Voted That it be Refer'd to the Selectmen to Consider of what
may be Sutable to Alowe the Coinittee for their Care in Building
the New Grainery, The Comittee for Bulyng of Grain, And m""
Jona° Williams for taking Care of the Grainery Since the Death
of m'' Galpin, And make Return to the Town at their Next
meeting
The Meeting Adjorned til Tuseday May the 19"^ at four of the
Clock P.M
Tuesday May the 19'^^ 1730
Voted A Grant of fiueThousand & five Hundred Pounds be Raised
on the Inhabitants & Estates within this Town for Releif of the
Poor, Defraying the Charg of the Watch, Paving and Other Neces-
sary Charges arising within & for the Town the year Ensuing
[17.] At a Meting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston Duly Qualified being Regulerly Assembled
in A Publick Town Meeting at the Town House in Boston on
Wednesday January tlie 20"' 1730 :
After Prayer By the Rev°' m"" Joshua Gee.
Elisha Cooke Esq"" is Chosen Moderator for this Meeting
Voted To Chuse four Representatives :
The Number of Voters were - 474
Elisha Cooke Escf votes - 465
m"" Thomas Cushing - - 4"^ 1
m" Ezekiel Lewis - - - 470
m^ Sam" Welles - - - 468
■were Chosen Representatives
18
City Document No. G6.
At A Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of The
Town of Boston duly Qualified being Regulerly Assembled in A
Publick Town Meeting at the Town House Monday the Eighth
Day of March : 1730 : —
After Prayers by the Rev*^ m' SanV^ Checkley.
Elisha Cook Esq"" was Chose Moderator for this Meeting
Sundry Laws against Iraoralliiies &c Read —
Sundry Petitions Read & Motions Made : (Viz')
About PaviDg in Salem Street
About Paving in And Near Cross Street
About Paving Near Sudbury Street
About Paving near Ann Street Leading to the Wharf
About A new Lane from Queen Street —
Armstrongs Peetiou for Alowance
The Constables Petition for Further Alowance
North & South vSchools about Schooll Masters
Sam'^ Checkley Esq'' Chose Town Clerk & Sworn
Voted To Chuse Assessors distinct from Selectmen
Voted to Chuse Seven Selectmen
ruessu" Jonathan Loring
Sam^ Adams
Beuja Fitch
Sam'i White
Joshua Chever
Andrew Tyler
JohaOsbora
)■ Chosen Selectmen
Joseph Warisworth ICsq'' Chose Town Treasurer
Voted to Chuse Sixteen Constables
Voted to Chuse Seven Overseers of the Poor —
[18.] Daniel Oliver Esq'
Timothy Clark Esq''
John Ruck — Esq'' ^
Jacob Wendall Esif
m" Jeffry Bedgood
m"^ Jona" Jackson
m"^ Sam" Greenwood
)■ Chose Overseers of the Poor
Then the Meeting Adjorned untill Three of the Clock after-
noon
Officers for Rumny Marsh Chose Viz'
Daniel Watts : Constable
o 11 rri A, (■ Fence Viewars
Sam'^ luttle j
Robert Weite I tr o- P
Nathan Sergent j »» ^
Nathan Chever — Sealer of Leather
Silence Allin
Thomas Inches
Nathan" Hodgdeu
Joshua Dodge
James Pennyman
1
I
y Sealers of Leathe'
Boston Town Eecords 1730.
19
1
Joseph Rix
Francis AVardell
Johu Homer
Thomas Foster
Joseph Russell
John Adams
Hopestill Foster
John Indicott
Edward Moberly
Edward Richards
Joseph White
Joshua Thornton
William Eustus
William Pain
James Pecker
Thomas Person
Icabod Rogers
John Melecan Jun""
W" Darin gton
Solamon Kneland Jun'
Samuel Wardell
Johu AlUn Cord wainer
1
> Fence Viewers
I Surveyors of Board &c,
' & Viewers of Shingles -
> Clerks of the Market
>■ Scavangers —
[19.] George Skinner
Edward Marion
Robert Pattishall
James Gary
John Buttolph
Henry Howel
John Helier
W Tlivng
Henry Gibbs
John Wolland
Benja" Bridge
Tho^ Brooks
W" Fierfield
Cord Wiug
Richard Hubbard
John Beunet Hatter
Voted That the Selectmen be the Surveyers of the Highwayes
Votes for A County Regester Brought in 220 Votes Numbred
and Sealed up Constable Jabez Hunt to be delivered to the Clerk
of the Peace for the Sessions.
Votes for the County Treasurer Brought in : 149 Votes Num-
bred & Sealed up by Constable Jabez Hunt to be delivered to the
Clerk of the Peace for the Sessions
messu" Jonas Clark
Caleb Lyman
Daniel Loring
James Watson )■ Chose Assessors
John Stanford
Peter Thomas
Will'" Parkman J
20
City Document No. 66.
> Chose Constables
Excused Elijah Collings
payd — Alford Butler
payd — Charles Giles —
Sworn — Jeraruiah Hall
Sworn — John Spooner
Sworn — Jona"^ Williams Jun""
Sworn — Edward Vail
Sworn Nathan'^ Cobbet
Paid — Benja Clark
paid — Andrew Oliver
Sworn — Edward Langdon
paid — Jeram*^ Allin
Sworn — William Hall
Sworn James Dawson
Voted That this Meeting be Adjorued to tomorning at Eight of
the Clock —
John Mortimore "]
David Mason ^, tt
William Olive ^ Chose Hoggreves
Dudson Killcop J
Voted That the Selectmen & Such as they Shal desire to
Accompany them be a Comitte to Vizit the Free Shooles for the
year Ensueing
[20.] Voted That Joseph Wadsworth Escf Town Treasurer
be Alowed and paid out of the Town Treasury the Sum of One
Hundred Pounds for His Service in that Office the year Last past
Voted That the Assessor for the year last past be Impowred to
make Reasonable Abatements untill the first day of June Next —
Voted That the Constables for the year next Ensueing haue
three pence on the Pound Alowed them, for Collecting the Rates.,
Provided they Pay it to the Several Treasurers One half of the
Sums Coihitted to them to Collect by the first day of Feb"" Next
And Compleat the Whole by the first day of June next Follow-
ing-
Mess'^ John Jeffries, Cornelius Waldo, Habijah Savage Esq",
Edward Bromfield Jun"" & m'' John Hunt or any three of them be a
Coinitte to Audit the Treasurers Acco"s for the year Eusueing. —
1
1
Benja Russell
Robert Jarvis
Benja Procter
Sam" Parkman
Isaac Casno
John Pinkny
John Hol^'oke
James Day
Zech* Johonet
Thomas Clough
Voted That the Petitions for Paving Viz'
For Salem Street
For Part of Cross Street &c
For that Leading to Wentworths Wharf
For Sudbery Street
Excused
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
Excused
paid
payd
Sworn
paid
Sworn
> Chose Constables
J> Chose Constables
J
Boston To'v\T*f Eecords, 1730-31. 21
Should be Continued for Consideratian unto the General Meet-
ing in March Next —
Armstrongs Petition for Alowance Read & Dismist
The Constables Petition for further Alowance of May the 12"*
Eead and Dismist
The Constables Petitian for further Alowance for Collecting
Eates was also Read & Dismist —
[31.1 Excused Medlecot Cooke ) ^, ^ , , ,
"- -* -D d T -in r Chose Constables
Pay'^ J er ami ah Green j
pay JohnCompton [ Chose Constables
Excusd John Trayle [ '"^°^® Constables
Voted That the Consideration of Raising money be Continued
to the Next General Meeting for Chusing Representatives
Upon the Afair of A School master for the North Writing School
According to the Town Vote directing them
The Selectmen now Report That they haue Indeavored to find
a meet person for the Said School and Return m"^ John Procter as
a meet Person for that place
Voted the Said Report accepted And that the Selectmen Intra-
duce him into the Said place Accordingly —
The Selectmen also then Recomended m"" Sam'^ Allin as a fltt
person to be the master of the South Writing iSchool
The Report was Voted Accepted And That He the Said Samuel
Allin be Master of the said School Accordingly
Sworn — Jeramiah Wheelwright ^
Sworn — Joseph Pomroy - - >- Chose Constables
pay — John Kneland Jun" - )
About The Votes and Petition Relating to A New Way from
Queen Street to School Street
Voted That the A fair be left with the Selectmen to view it and
Consider of it And make Return of Their Thoughts about it to the
to the Next General Meeting for Chusing Representatives
Voted That m"^ Jonathan Williams be Alowed and paid out of
the Town Treasur}' the Sum of Seventy Pounds P'' Annum for His
Service in Managing the Grainery Since the Death of m'' Galpin
Voted Furthe"" That m'^ Jonatlian Williams haue Further more
paid Him Ten Pounds more P'' Annum which makes Eighty Pounds
P'' Annum from m'' Gal[)ins Death —
Voted That the Selectmen be Desired and Impowred of Keep-
ing the Swing Bridge in Repair at the Charg of the Town uutill
the Town Secause to Order it Otlierwise —
Voted That the Consideration of the Other Matters in the War-
rant Refered to be Continued to the Next General Town Meeting
for Chusing Representatives —
Anno Domini : 1731
[32.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston duly qualified being Regalerly Assembled
in A Pnblick Town Meeting at the Town House Wednesday May
the fifth: 1731 —
After Prayer By the Revd m'' Joseph Sewall
Elisha Cooke Esq" is Chose Moderator for this Meeting
22 City Document No. 66.
Sundry Petitions were Read & Motions made Viz'
m'' John Wheelwright About Pavement
ra"" Peleg Wiswalls Memorial
m"^ Jeramiali Gridlej'S
Sundry Inhabitants about a way
Constables Petition
A Motion was made That Such Persons as Shall be Chose to
Represent them may Have Instructions given them —
Voted to Chuse 4 : Representatives
Number of Voters were . . . 450
Elisha Cook Esq'' Votes . 391 ^
m"" Thomas Gushing - - 442 I
m"^ Ezekiel Lewis - - 402 j
nV Samuel Welles - - 366 J
were Chosen Representatives
On the Petition of M' Peleg Wiswal
Voted That there be Added to His Sallary the Sum of Fifty
Pounds for the year Currant :
On the Petition of m"" Jeramiah Gridley
Voted That an Addition of Twenty Pounds be added to His
Salary for the year Currant.
Voted A Grant of Six Thousand Pounds be Raised on the In-
habitants And Estates within this Town for Releif of the Poo"",
defraying the Charge of the Watches, Paving, and Other Neces-
sary Charges ariseing within and for the Said Town for the year
Ensueing.
Voted To Chuse a Comittee to draw up Instruction for the Rep-
resentatives of this Town now Chosen, To present to the Town for
their Consideration at the Adjornment.
Voted That, m"" Edward Bromfield, m' Nathan" Cunningham,
Hugh Hall E=,q% m" Sam" White, ra'' Samuel Adams, m'" Oxenbridg.
Thatche"" m"" Thomas Cushing Jun' & Co'^ Habijah Savage Esq"' be
the Said CoTuiltee :
Voted That this Meeting be Adjorned to three of the Clock
after noon : & being met
John Flower was Chose Clerk of the Market for the year Esuing
[23.] On the Petition of the Constables for the year last past
for further time to be alowed them for paying in their Rates
Voted That it be So for granted, That if the Said Constables
pay in to the Several Treasurars, Three quarters of the whole
Sums Coinitted to them to Collect by the first day of June next,
That then they be alowed untill the first day of August to pay in
the Remaining quarter part, And Shall then be alowed three
pence on the pound for Collecting the Same, And The Assessors
Power for Abatements be continued to the Said Time —
Voted That the Selectmen be desired, and Impowred to Enquire
into the Incrochments on the North Side of the Long Wharf,
And also of the Afair of m'' Brattle Olive/ near the South Batry,
and make Report to the Town at the Adjorment of this Meeting.
On the Petition of m"" John Wheelwright for Alowance of of His
Acco" for Paving in King Street :
Boston Town Records, 1731. 23
Voted That his Acco" be Alowed and That the Sum of Two
Hundred and Eighteen Pounds iive Shillings & Seven pence be
paid to the Said John "Wheelwright out of the Money, to be Raised
for the present year, In full discharge for the Said Paving —
On the Memorial of Sundry Inhabitants about a way near Love
Street
Voted That the Selectmen do Enqun-e into the Premisses, and
Report whether in their Opinion, it may be for the Benifit of the
Town to haue a High way there, and Treat with the owners for
that purpose. And make Report to the Town the Next Adjornment
of this Meeting —
The Town being now Advised That the time by Law for bringing
forward an Action of Reveiw for the Recovery of Possession of A
Warehouse clamed by the Heirs of Elia" Hutehiuson Esq' Deceaced ;
will Expire August Next. —
Voted That m"^ Thomas Gushing, Nath" Green Esq' & m' Ezek^
Lewis The Comitte to whome that afair was betrusted, be Desired
to bring forward Such Writt of Reveiw, and That they Endeavor
there may be no failure in duly & Seasonably Prosecuting that
Action to Effect in the Law :
Voted That Joseph Wadsworth Esq'^ Town Treasu'" be desired
and is hereby Impowred To bring Writts of Trespjiss & Ejectment
against Such Persons who are in Possession of the Old Shops or
Buildings, near the Town Dock, And Prossecute to Effect Such
Actions against Such as Shall Refuse to Surrender to the Town
Such buildings & Land on which they Stand —
Voted That this Meeting be Adjorned to Tuesday the Eighteenth
day of May Currant at three of the Clock after noon
[24.]^ Tuesday May the 18"^ 1731.
A Coihittee having bin Appointed On Wednesday May the fifth
Currant to draw up Instructions, for the Representatives of the
Town then Chosen, To present to the Town for their Consideration
at the Afljornment.
Pursuant to the aboue vote the CoITiitte haue drawn the Fol-
lowing Instructions, which they Apprehend may be propper for
the Town to give to the Gentlemen Chosen to Represent them in
the NexC General Assembly (Viz')
To the Hono'"'^ Elisha Cooke Esq'' m"" Thomas Gushing m'' Ezek^
Lewis and m"" Sam'^ Welles :
Gentlemen ; Under a Full Aprehention of your Loyalty and
DutyfuU Regard to His Present Majesty King George, Your
Firm Attachment to the Succession in the Illustrons House of
Hanover Your Penetration to Discover, and Integrity to Pursue
the Publick Intrest of this Province, We haue again Chosen you to
Represent us in the Next General Assembly, And what we Expect
from you is That in this Important Trust you Steadily, and with
a Propper Zeal and Courage Pursue those things that may Conduce
to the Honour of His INIajestys Goverment here; and the weal
of this People which we Aprahend inseperable : And in A Pertic-
uler manner we earnestly recommend to you
That you use your utmost Endeavor That the Great Priviledges
24 City Document JSTo. 66.
we Enjoy by the Euglish Coustitutiou & the R<)yal Charter, May
be preserved from all Encrochments, And so handed Dovvn to
Succeeding Assembl3's —
That yon Continue to Express Such A Dntyfull Regard to His
Majestys Governo'', as Shall become the Representatives of A
Loyal People, And That you use your Intrest That He haue an
Hono'''^ Support Sutable to the Dignity of His Station and the
Present Circomstances of this Province —
In as much as we are Aprehensive That the Fixing the Cover"
Sallery may Intradue Consequences full of Distress, and Perplexity,
we ConlSde in, And Rely upon 3'ou to Exert your Utmost power
and Influence To prevent the Passing any Bill —
In the Honourable House of Representatives, Relating to His
Support which may Setle the Salary for any Limited time or that
may Prevent : Obstruct or any way Impeade future Assemblys
from Acting in that A fair with the Same freedom former Assemblys
haue Enjoyed —
OxENBRiDG Thatcher
Sam^^ Adams
Thomas Cushing Jur®
Habija Savage
Edward Bromield Juk*'
Nathan^^ Cuningham
[35.] This Report was Read Sundry times Debated & Ac-
cepted And also Voted That these Instructions be Recomended to
the Representatives of this Town at the Session and Sessions
during this Court —
On the Petition of Sundry Persons for laying out a new way
from Queen Street to School Street, And was left to the Selectmen
the Eighth of March last to Veiw & Consider of it, And make
Return of their Thoughts About it the Next General Meeting to
Chuse Representatives.
Having Veiwed The Land Petition for : We are of Opinion That
not withstanding the Petitioners at their Own Charge, are willing
to make the Necessar}' Alterations ; yet it is not for the Intrest of
the Town to Lay out Said Passage way, for that their Advantage
therein will no way Countervail their Loss in the Land, nor their
Constant Charg that will unavoydable Acue to the Town thereby.
JoNA^ LoRiNG In behalf of the Coinittee
Boston May the 5"^ 1731 —
Voted this Report Accepted — ■
At a Meeting of The Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of The
Town of Boston duly Qualified being Regulerly Assembled in A
Publick Town Meeting at the Town House Monday May 31"* 1731
After Prayer by the Rev' m^ Thomas Prince
Elisha Cooke Esq"" was Chose Moderator for this Meeting
Number of Voters were - - - - 297 :
Votes.
m"" Oxenbridg Thatcher & - - 192 (
m'' Thomas Cushing Jua"^ - - 204 )
BosTOx Town Records, 1731. 25
were Chosen for Representative in the Room and Stead of
Thomas Cusliing & Ezek" Lewis Esq" who on the Anuoversary
Election were Chosen Couneellar or Assistants for this Province — •
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly Qualified being Reguily Assembled in A
Publick Town Meeting at the Town House Monday August the
Second : 1731 :
m'' Jonathan AYilliams was Chosen Moderator for this Meeting —
The Report of the Selectmen Appointed to Consider of A way
near Love Street, Make their Report as Follows, Viz' Pursuant to
the Vote of the Town on May the 5"' last past. — We haue Viewed
Love Street, And are of Opinion that it is for the Intrest of the
Town as well as for the Accomodation of A Larg Neighbourhood,
That Said Street be carryed through to Salem Street, But finding
a Difficulty in treating with the [*^6.] Gentlemen concerned, we
desire thtit (if they thinlv fitt) The Inhabitants of the Town, would
Desire, That the Gentlemen Justices belonging to this Town and
the disintrested Selectmen may lay out the Said Street, so as may
best Accomodate the Town and the Owners of the Land
. Boston June the 3 0"^ 1731. Ben.ta^ Fitch
Sam^'- White
Joshua Chever
Andrew Tyler
This Report was Sundry times Read & Voted Accepted.
Also on the Affair of m'' Brattle Oliver near the South Batry,
The Selectmen Reported as Follows Viz'
We are of Opinion That the Wharf Latly Rebuilt by m'' Brattle
Oliver, upon the Southerly End of the Out Wharf or Barricado
near the South Sconce or Battry (So called) of Right belongs to the
Town of Boston, being as we apprehend the Same which was Sub-
scribed for and Built by the Late Honou'''^ Governor Leveret in the
year 1673 : for the use of Said Sconce in this Town and on their
behalf, And inasmuch as the Said Out Wharfs Continue in a veiy
Ruinous Condition, And there is no present prospect of A Speedy
Repair, which we look on to be Contrary to the true Intent of the
Antient Grant of the Flatts before the Town, to the Gentlemen
that were then Undertakers, And also very much to the Damage of
the Town, We are further of Opinion that it would be Advisable
for the Town to take into Consideration the Reports of the Coiiiil-
tee Appointed Anno : 1728 — To Inspect the Rueuous Condition
of the Said Out Wharfs And the Honou''''^ the Representatives of
this Town as then be again Desired to Lay the Same before the
General Court for their Confermation, And in the meantime That
the Town who by the Hono*''* Governor Leveret aforesaid Sub-
scribed for Seventy fine feet in Said Undertaking Appoint A Co-
fhitte to Indeavor a meeting of the Proprietors of Said Wharf in
Order to Know their Several parts or Shares Subscribed for and
Built, And in Special that the part belonging to the Town may be
made Certain and so Rendered Benefitial. Which Report was
Read &
Voted and That the Report of the Comitte Appointed in the
26 City Document No. 6(j.
year 1728 To Inspect the Rnenous Condition of the Out Wharfs
be Revived and Coihitted to the Representatives of this I'own
and that they be Desired to Indeavor A Confermation thereof
Also about the Incrochments of the North Side of the Long
Wharf Coinitted to the Selectmen to Enquire into
[37.] They make their Report as follows Viz'
We haue also Viewed the Long Wharf, find that there are
Several Aditions made on the north Side thereof Viz' By m"" Selby,
m"" Pitson, m'' Gerrish & Co" Minot, for which in our Opinion,
They haue no Authority in the Grant of the Flatts made by the
Town to the Proprietors of the Long Wharf aforesaid, In as much
as the Said Proprietors haue before Built Out the full width As-
signed them by the Town for that Service —
Jonathan Loring
Boston July the 30'^ 1731 Samuel Adams
Benja" Fitch
Sam^-''' White
Joshua Chever
Andrew Tylor
Which Report was also Read and Voted and also Voted That A
Comittee be Chosen to Inquire into the Said Incrochments and
Prossecute them in the Law to Effect
Voted That mess" Thomas Brooks, George Craddock, & Edward
Pell be the Said Committee
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston Duly Qualified being Regulerly Assembled in A
Publick Town Meeting at the Town House in Boston On Tuesday
September the 14'^ 1731 :
After Prayer by the Rev' m'' John Webb.
Habijah Savage Esq' was Chose to be Moderator for this
Meeting
Proposed to Consider About Reparing m'' Nathaniel Williams
His Kitchen &c —
In Answer to the Earnest Desire of the Honourable House of
Representatives —
Voted an Intire Satisfaction in the Town in the late Conduct of
their Representatives in Endeavoring to preserue their Valuable
Priviledges, And Pray their further Endeavors therein —
Voted. Thatthe Afair of Repairing of the Wharff leading to the
North Battrey. be left with the Selectmen to do therein as they
Judge best —
[28.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitant
of the Town of Boston duly Qualified being Regurly Assembled in
A Publick Town Meeting at the Town House in Boston 2»Ionday
the Thirteen t day of March = 1 731 :=r
After Prayer By the Rev' m"" Peter Thatcher
Elisha Cooke Esq*" is Chose Moderator for this Meeting
Sundry Laws against Imorality &c Read
Sundry Petitions and Motions Read — Viz'
Boston Town Eecords, 1731.
27
of Eichard Whiterage
of Rumuy Marsh
of Sam" Watts
of Elisabeth Smith
of the Sextons
About Green Lane
of The Truckmen
of m*" John Procter
The Selectmeus Report Aboue Love Street
For Paving in "Winter Street
A motion of Constables for Alowance
Sam" Checkley Esq'' Chosen Town Clerk, was Sworn to the
faithfull Discharge of His Office By Elisha Cook J Peace
Voted to ChuBe Assessors distinct from Selectmen
Voted To Chuse 7 : Selectmen
mess*' Sam" Adams ...
Sam" White
Joshua Cheever - - -
Benja Fitch - - _
Andrew Tyler - - -
Edward Brom field
"William Downe - - - ,
Joseph Wadsworth Esq"" Chogen Town Treasurer & Sworn
Voted to Chuse 16 : Constables within the Town —
Rumny Marsh Officers Chosen Viz —
Sam" Pratt : - - Constable Sworn
Sam : Tuttle : X Jacob Chamberlin : Fence Vewers
Thomas Eustis : & Benja Whetemare : Hog reves
Nathan Cheever Sealed of Leather —
\- Chosen Selectmen
[29.] Dudson Killcop :
John Smith Jun'^
George Sherror
Daved Mason
Benja^ Russel
John Orsborn
Thomas Hancock
John Henderson
John Corser
Isaac Walker
James Houden - '
Benja" Fan u el
Sam" Hayley
Alexan'' Foiesyth -
On the Petition of Rumny Marsh —
Voted That there be An Alowance to A Sutable Schoolmaster
for the Present year Twenty pounds Aditiou to the Salary which
Makes Sixty pounds —
On the Petition of m"" John Procter
Voted That there be an Adition made of Sixty pounds to His
Salary for the year Curnant
pay
Sworn
pay
Sworn
Excus'd
pay
pay )> Chosen Constables
Sworn
pay
' pay
pay
pay
pay
28
City Document No. 66.
Hopestil Foster
Charles Coffin
Sworn -
pay
■Richard Billings -
pay
Joseph Grant
Increase Blake
pay
pay
Cap' John Steel
Excused
- Chosen Constables
John Little
Excused
Christopher Kilbe}' -
Jacob Hurcl
pay
pay
Edmond Quinsy
Ebenezcr Storer
pay
pay J
Voted to Chuse Seven Overseers of the Poor
Tim° Clark Esq^ ")
John Ruck Esq''
m'' John Hunt |
m"" Sami' Greenwood }► Chosen Overseers of the Poor
m"' Jona" Jackson
m"' Jeffry Bedgood
m"" Henry Bering
Voted to Chuse Seven Assessors —
The Selectmen Made A Motion tp the Town to Chuse Tything-
men.
[30.] mess" Caleb Lyman Excused
James Watson.
Jonas Clark
Daniel Loring
Jacob Sheaf
Richard Buckley
John Stamford |
Peter Thomas J
J> Chosen Assessors.
Voted That the Selectmen be Desired to Vizit the Publick
Schools taking with them Such as they Desire to Accompany
them and make Returns of their Doings to the Town at their
Meeting —
Josiah Carter
Joshua Dodge
Benja" Babbage
Nathan" Hodgdeu
Thomas Inches
Sworn")
Sworn j
Sworn [ Chosen Sealers of Leather
Sworn i
Sworn J
Francis Wardel
John Endicot
Joseph Rix
James Barnet
John Pearce
Moses Aj'res
Roger Stainer
>• Chosen Fence Viewers
Boston Town Records, 1731.
29
Jacob Davis
Excused ^
ISam^^ Hood Juu''
pay
Joshua Townseud -
Sworn
James Collings
pay
Thomas Jones
pay
Robert Tompson
Sworn
Nathan^^ Ayres
Sworn
Sam^ Jackson
Excused
Sampson Salter
Sworn
Sam^^ Kneeland
Sworn
Caleb Parker
pay
Nathan^^ ThwiDg
Excused ^
Chosen Constables
the
the
Voted for the County Treasurer were 173 Votes, Numbred By
Constable James Dawson Sealed up and Delivered to Him to be
delivered to the Clerk of the Sessions
About the Petition of Sundry Inhabitants for Enlarging
Street in Green Lane The Petioners Paying the Charge
Voted According to the Petition the Petitioners Paying
Charges.
On the Petition of Sam^ Watts : was Read & Dismist
Richard Whiterage Petion was Read & Dismist —
[31.] On A Motion of Several Sextons —
Voted That James Williams be Directed to Apply him Self to
the Selectmen, And they be Desired to State to Him the Prizes for
Diging Graves and Opening Toombs &c in the Two Southern
Burying Places —
On the Petition of the Truckmen and Others
Voted That the Selectmen be Desired to Consider that Petition
and make Report what may best be don about it at the Next
meeting —
Jacob Holyoke - pay '^
Robert Williams - Excused |
Robert Jenkins - Excusd |- Chosen Constables
Thomas Lee Jun''- pay I
Elijah Collings - P^-v J
About the Memoriali ot Several Inhabitants About the way in
Love Street —
The Selectmen being Appointed to Vew the Said Place and
make a Report, Which They Reported to this Meeting And was
Dated the Eighth of March Currant : Which Report was Read
Several times and Debated.
Voted The Return of the Selectmen Accepted —
Sworn ^
Sworn I
'{, ' y Chosen Constables
Sworn
^ViUiam Eustis
W'" Rydoubt -
Hugh Scott
Huah Mackdaniel
Peter Brittin Sworn |
Nicholas Salisbery - Sworn J
Voted That Joseph Wadsworth Esq'' Town Treasurer be Alowed
and paid out of the Town Treasury the Sum of One Hundred
pounds for Mis Service in that office the year last past —
30
City Document No. G6.
Chosen Measurers
Sworn ^
Sworn I
Sworn I
c! ! of Boards Timber &c
Sworn
Sworn I
Sworn J
Sworn ^
o J' Chosen Hogo^ reevea
Sworn I ^^
Sworn J
John Darner - -
Sam"^ Collings -
Alexan'' Parkman
James Bradford
Benja Walcot :
Sam'^ Jackson
> Chose Clerks of the Market
William Pain
Edward Moberly
Francis More
Will"" Parkman
Joshua Thornton
Isaac White
John Leech -
Ephraim Copeland
Thomas Wardel
William Owen -
Thornton Barret
Voted That mes'' Joshua Winslow, Nathan'^ Cunningham, George
Crodock John Jeffries & WilP Tyler or Any three of them be A
Comittee to Audit the Treas" Acco" for the year Ensueing —
[3^.] Theopilus Lilly : Paid^
Mathew Barnet Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
JO aid
Sworn
Sworn ^
Jona'' Farnum
Nathan" Garner
John Taylor
Henry Gibbs
John Welland
Edward Emerson
John Hill
Joseph Webb
Nathan" Barber
WilP Dorenton
Voted A Grant of Five Thousands Pounds on the Inhabitants
and Estates within this Town, For Releif of the Poor, Defraying
the Charge of the Watches, Paving, And Other Necessary Charges
arising within and for the Said Town for the year Ensueing —
On the Petition of Sundry Inhabitents for Paving in Salem
Street.
Voted According to the Petition, And that the Selectmen be
Impowred to Act Accordingly, The Abutters doing their part as
Usually —
On the Petition of Sundry Inhabitants About paving near Cross
Street —
Voted According to the Petition And That it be left with the
Selectmen to Act therein as they find Reasonable
On the Petition of Sundry Inhabitants for Paving in Winter
Street
Voted That the Selectmen Take Care that the Towns Part of
Winter Street be Repaired at the Cost and Charges of the Town,
The Several Abutters paying their proportionable part of the
Street as is Accustomary —
The work to be Erected when there Shall be Money Raised for
>■ Chosen Scavengers
Boston Town Eecords, 1731-1732. 31
Paving over and Aboue the Sum of Two Hundred Pounds Already
voted at this Meeting for that purpose —
[33.] Voted That the Selectmen be Desired and Impowred to
tak Effectual care that the Highways within the Town of Boston,
more Espetially those in the District of Rumu}- Marsh be keep in
good and Sufficient Repair
William Torry - Excusd ^
Joseph Raiuger - Excusd [■ were Chosen Constables
Andrew Frizwell - Sworn)
Voted That the Assessors for the year last past be Impowred
to make Reasonable Abatement untill the first day of June next.
Voted That the Constables for the year next Ensuing haue three
pence on the Pound alowed them for Collecting the Rates — Pro-
vided they pay it to the Several Treasurors One half of the Suras
Coinitted to them to Collect by the first day of Februar3' next, and
Compleat the whole by the first day of June next Following
Voted That the Affair of the Old Shops on the Dock be Con-
tinued for Consideration unto the Next meeting.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitant of the
Town of Boston Duly Qulified being Regulerly Assembled in A
Publick Town Meeting at the Town House in Boston Wednesday
May the Tenth 1732 —
After Prayr by the Rev* mr Welsted.
Sam*^ Welles Esq'' was Chosen Moderator for this Meeting —
Several Petitions were Read Viz'
Of Sam" Sewall Esq^
One About the North Writing Scholl
of Doc'^ Zabdiel Boylston
Of Riehai'd Whittraage
Of John Lovel :
Voted to Chuse : 4 Representatives
Number of Voters were _ - _ - _ G55
.Samuel Welles Esq*" 5371 p,
m'' Thomas Cushins; Jnn - - 554 V „ ...
TT 1-- 1 o T- r ooo i Representatives
Habijah Savage Esq"^ - - 332 ) '■
Voted The Meeting Adjorne to four A Clock after Noon — the
Met
Number of Voters were 649
Elisha Cooke Esq'' — 346 : Chosen A Representative
Voted To Chuse A Coinittee to Draw up Instructions for the
Representatives of this Town Now Chosen To pesent to the Towu
for their Consideration at the Adjornment of this Meeting —
Anno Domini 1732 : May 10'''.
[34.] Voted That the Instructions Should be upon the Fol-
lowing Heads Viz'
About The Governors Support According to His Majestys In-
structions —
And About the Method for Supplying the Treasury And also
About the Unappropriated Lands of the Late Colony of the
Massachusets Bay of New Pliraouth and of the Province of Main —
32 City Document No. 6Q.
Voted That there be Fine Persons Chosen to be of the Said
Comittee.
Voted That mT Nathaniel Cunningham m'' Samuel Waldo Henry
Bering Esq'' m"' Edward Bromfield & m"" Thomas Brooks be the
Said Committee
Voted That the Comittee Appointed to Prossecute the Tresse-
passers on the north Side of the Long Wharf Suffer Themselves to
be Non Suted in the Several Actions already Coraensed
Jacob Griggs : Sworn : Chose A Constable
Joseph Snelling - paid i ^^^^.^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^^^^^^
Jona° tarnum- Sworn )
On the Petition of the Constables for the year last past for
further time to be Alowed them for paying in their Rates
Voted That it be So far Granted That if the Said Constables
pay in to the Several Treasurors Three Quarters of the Whole
Sums Committed to them to Collect by the Eirst day of June Next,
That then they be Alowed untill the first day of August to pay in
the Remaining Quarter part, And Shall then be Alowed three pence
on the pound for Collecting the Same And The Assessors Power
for Abatement be Continued to the Same time —
Voted That This Meeting be Adjorned To Wednesday the
Seventeenth day of May Currant at four of the Clock After noon —
May the 17* 1732
The Committee Chosen and Appointed May the 10*^ to draw up
Instructions for the Representatives Presented a Draft of of them
upon the Several Heads Directed to —
Which were as Follows Viz'
[35 o] At A Publick Town Meeting at Boston upon Wednesday
the 10'-' Day of May 1732 —
m'' Nathan" Cunningham, Henry Deering Esq' m'' Samuel Waldo,
m'' Edward Bromfield and m"" Thomas Brooks —
Were Chosen A Committe To Prepare Instructions for the
Representatives, And Lay them before the Town for their Apro-
bation at the Adjorment Alay the 17'^ Currant —
Presented as Follows Viz'
ToElisha Cooke Esq'' Samuel Welles Esq"" Habijah Savage Esq'
& m'" Thomas Cushing Jun.
Gentlemen
We the free holders and other Inhabitants of
the Town of Boston duly qualified and Regulerly Assembled. In
Confidence of your Integrity, Wisdom and Courage, Have Chosen
you to Represent us in the Great and General Court of this
Province for the year Insuing. And alth6 we do not in the Least
Question your FaithfuUness to the True Intrest of this Province in
Generall as well as to the Trade and Business of this Town in Per-
ticuler, Yet Esteeming it our Duty in this unhappy Juncture (where
in Our Laws, Liberties, & Properties are in the Greatest Danger)
Earnestly to Request of you to Exert all your Powers in Conjunction
with the other worthy Members of the Honourable House of Rep-
resentatives To Guard against and Defend us from all Incroach-
ments whatsoever. That may be attempted against our natural
Boston Town Records, 1732. 33
Rights or Charter Priviledges, And that our minds may be alwaj^s
Present in your Thoughts. We would more Perticuleily Recommend
to you.
P' That you use your utiBOst Endeavor, That His Excellency
our Governour Have an Honourable Support Sutable to the Dig-
nity of His Station and the Circomstances of this Province. And
in as much as we are apieheusive that the fixing a Salary on the
Governour may Produce fatal Consequences, we confide in and
Rely upon you to Exert your utmost power and Influence to pre-
vent the Passing any Bill in the Honourable House of Representa-
tives Relating to His Support which may Setle the Salary for any
Limitted Time or that may Prevent Obstruct or any ways Impede
Future Assemblys from acting with the Same freedom former
assemblys have Enioyed.
2iy We Earnestly Recommend to you the Care of the Treasury,
And that you use your utmost Endeavor That it be Supplyed with
Such Sufficient Sums of Money as is necessary to answar the Great
Charge of the Province both Past and Future, and we depend upon
j'ou That it be Don after such a manner as is Consistant [36.]
with the Safety of this Province, and the Preservation of our Rights
and Priviledges ; And in as much as the Charter gives the Great
and General Court full power to Support the Government Here by
Enacting Such Laws and Ordinances as they in their Great Wisdom
Shall Judge best Adapted to Subserve the true Intrest of His
Majestys Good Subjects of this Province A Complyance with His
Majesties Instructions would Enevitably Clash with the Power of
making Laws, and Deprive this People of one of the most valuable
Priviledges Held and Enjoyed by the Charter.
We therefore Enjoyu you to Oppose any Bill for the Supply of
the Treasury That may be Brought forward in the Honourable
House of Representatives, That may in the Least Bear upon Our
Natural Rights and Charter Priviledges — which we aprehend the
giving in to the King's Instructions would Certainly do
3'^ Where as There has bin Granted away in time Past Vast
Tracts of Laud for the Setling new Town Ships in Answar to the
Prayer of Divers Petition, That Haue bin Prefered, and too often
Influenced by Perticuler Persons, who by their Art and Cunning
haue Gained, to them selves Great Advantages thereb}' without
being at little or no Charge in forwarding and Setling Those
Townships Whereby Great Hurt and Damage has bin don the Prov-
ince. Wee therefore in an Especiall manner Recomend to 3'ou,
That you use j'our utmost Endeavors That the unappropriated
Lands Lying within the Late Colony of the Massachusetts, New Pli-
mouth and Province of Main be Divided to and Among the Several
Towns within this Province, In the ]\Iost Just and Equal Proportion,
The Court may agree upon And Subjected to Such Terms of Setle-
ment as Shall be ordered. The Giving and Granting away the Pub-
lick Lands in the way and Method Lately Endeavored after being
only to Serue Some Perticuler Persons, And give others on opportu-
nity to Enrich them Selves l)y Indirect means, we therefore Give it
in Charge to you, That you use your utmost Influence That no
Lands be disposed of To Perticaler Persons But to the Several
34 City Document No. 66.
ToFDS in Equal Proportion Throughout this Province. Those three
articles are what we haue Thought Propper to Recommend to 3'ou,
And is in Order to Prevent any Sugestions that may be Insinuated,
That in acting on any of those Heads, you do not act agi*eeable
to the mind of your Principals or to Prevent any adjornments or
Prorogations to Consult your Principalis as Has bin Don heretofore.
[37.] Natiian^-'^ Cunningham.
Sam^^ Waldo
Heney Deking
Thomas Brooks
At the Adjorment of the Meeting, May 17*'^ 1732, The Comittee
Presented the Foregoing Instructions.
They were Head Sundry times were Debated and Voted ac-
cepted to be the Instructions for the Representatives.
In answar to the Petition of the Heirs of the Hon*^^* Sam" Sewall
Decece"^
Voted, That Josepli Wadsworth Esq'' Treasurer for the Town of
Boston or the Treasurer for the time being be Impowred & Direct-
ed to Execute a Deed of Release of the Towns Right to an Annu-
ity of flue pound and four Shillings Charged on a sertain Pasture
in Boston, Called Elme Pasture, To the Heirs of the Late Hon'''^
Sam" Sewal Esq. Dece*^ upon their Paying the Sum of One Hun-
dred Pounds in Province Bills or Currant money, Which Sum is
Hereby Appropriated and Sett apart for ever to be let to Intrest
by the Said Treasurer for the use and Beniflt of the School Situ-
ate at the uper end of Bond Street in the Souther end of Boston,
for which End the Said Annuity was given by the Said Honourable
Samuel Sewall Esq""
In answar to the Petition of Richard Whittrage.
Voted That the Sum of Twenty Pounds P'" Annum from this Day
be alowed and Payed Out of the Treasury to the Said Richard
Whittrage during His natural life, to be payed Quarterly.
In answar to the Petition of m"" John Procter about the north
writing School.
Voted. That the Selectmen be a Coinitte to vew the Place and
Consider the Petition and make Report to the next meeting what
had best be don about it.
In answar to The Petition of m'" Zabdiel Boylston.
Voted. That the Petition and acco" be Left with the Select men
to make Enquir}' into that afair and make Report to the Town at
their Next meeting.
In answar to the Petition of m"" John Lovell.
Voted. That the Consideration of it be Continued to the Next
Meeting to be Debated.
In Answar to the Petition of the Truckmen and others
which was Coinitted to the Select men to Consider of and make
Report which is. We haue Considered the within Petition and are
of Opinion That the Town Law in that Case already made is a
Good and wholsom Law and think it ought to be put in Execution.
Samuel Adams, Benja. Fitch, Samuel White, Andrew Tyler,
William Downe, Select men.
Boston Town Records, 1732. 35
Read and Voted — Accepted.
Voted. That mess" William Tyler, Edwai'd Duraiit & Joseph
Marion be a Coinitte to Receive any proposals any may make
[38.] for Demolishing or Hireing out the Old Buildings Be-
longing to the Town of Boston in Dock Square, And to Report
To the Town what Proposals Shall be made to them at the next
meeting, And That Every One maj' be apprized of this Afair The
Coiiiitte are Directed to advertise in the weekly Prints.
The Return of the Select mens Report about Sextons.
Whereas The Freeholders and Oiher Inhabitants of the Town
of Boston at their Annual Meeting on the IS"" day of March 1731.
Did by their Vote Direct James Williams to Appl}- Himself to the
Select men of Said Town in order to Regulate the Prices of Diging
Graves and opeing Toombs in the Two South Burying Places,
which he has accordingl}' Don, And They Have Stated the Prices
for the Several Burying places in this Town as Follows viz'.
Digging Graves for White Persons man or woman Ten
Shillings.
For Persons from Six to Twelve of age. Seven Shillings.
For Children Caryed by Hand five Shiilii>gs
For Digging a Grave for a Negro Man or woman Seven
Shillings and Six pence.
Ditto from Six to Twelve years of age Six Shillings.
For Children four Shillings
For Opening the New or Wall Toombs Fourteen Shillings
For Opening the Old Toombs or those that Stand in the
midst of the Burying Places Sixteen Shillings.
Boston, May the 9* 1732
f Samuel Adams
Bknj^ Fitch
c^ 1 i Samuel White
Selectmen •< . ,,-,
j Andrew Iyler
William Downe
(^Edward Bromfield
Samuel Avis Chose a Clerk of the market. Sworn
[39.] At a Meeting of the Free holders and Other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston Duly Qualified being Regulerly assembled in
a Publick Town Meeting at the Town House Tuesday J un 27 — 1732
m"" Geoi-ge Crodock is Chosen moderator for this meeting.
In answar to the Petition of m"^ John Procter and others abouth
the North Writing SchoU.
The Select men being appointed May the 17* To be a Committee
To Vew the Place and Consider the Petition and make Report to
the Next Meeting what had best to be don about it.
Now make their Report which was
Boston June the 26"" 1732
Pursuant to a Vote of the Town at their meeting in May Last.
Having Considred the Petition of Sundry Inhabitants of the north
part of the Town for Enlarging the North writing School. We
are of Opinion That it will very much Serve that i)art of the Town,
36 City Document No. 66.
That Said School House be Enlarged aud an Usher m"^ John
Procter the present master.
Sam^^ Adams
Benj^ Fitch
Joshua Cheever
Andrew Tyler
W^ DOWNE &
Edward Bbomfield
The Report was Read and Voted Accepted.
Voted That the Select men be Impowred and Directed to Act in
that Afair.
On the Petition and acco" of Doc"" Boylston Comitted to the
Select men to Consider and Report, make Report as follows viz'.
Also upon the Petition and acco" of Docf Zabdiel Boj'lston being
for Nedisons and atendance on John Simms a Poor man of the
Town. Upon Conferance had with the Overseers of the Poor who
Incoraged Said Boylston in Said Servise. We are of Opinion He
deserves Thirty Pounds in full Discharge of His Acco".
Sam'^^ Adams
Benja^ Fitch
Joshua Cheever
Andrew Tylor
William downe &
Edward Bromfield
The Report was Read and Voted, accepted.
Voted. That the Sum of Thirty pounds be paid by the Town
Treasurer to Docf. Zobdiel Boylston in full of His account.
[40.] Voted That m'' Edward Mills School master haue an
assistant being in a Bad State of Health.
Voted. That the Select men be Empowred and Directed to Seek
out and agree with a Sutable Person to assist m" Edward Mills untill
the Town meeting in March next.
Voted. That mess""^ Joseph Marion, Edward Durant and The-
opilus Lilly be a Covnitte to Receive any Proposals any ma}' make
for Demolishin or Hireing out the Old Buildings, Belonging to the
Town in Dock Square and to Report to the Town what Proposalls
Shall be made to them at the Next meeting. And That Every
one may be apprized of this Afair. The Comittee are Directed to
advertise it in the weekly Prints —
At a Meeting of the Free holders and other Inhabitans of the
Town of Boston Daly Qualified being Regulerly Assembled in a
Publick Town Meeting Frj^day July 28"^ 1732.
Joseph Wadsworth Esq"", was Chosen Moderator for this meeting.
The Petition of m"" John Lovell was Read.
In Answar to the Petition of m' John Lovell.
Voted. That an Adition of Twenty Pounds to the Salary of m'
John Lovell for the Present year as one of the Ushers of the South
Gramer School be made to Him.
The Comittee appointed June the 27*. 1732. To Receive any Pro-
posals any may make about tiae Old Buildings in Dock Square. &c.
Boston Town Kecokds, 1732. 37
The Committee make their Report viz'.
Pursuant to the Said Vote, Tlie CoiSitte therein named haue
Advertised in the Publick Prints, The Times and Place of their
meetings, And Strictly given their Attendance & haue Eeceived
Proposals by way of Subscriptions from Mess""^ Gibb, Boylston,
Noyce and Others, for Demolishing the Said Buildings as is Per-
ticulerly Sett fourth in their Proposals and Subscriptions here with
Exhibitted. Also proposals from m'' Josiah Franklin for the De-
molishing and Erecting others as by the Proposals here with
Presented will appear and we do accordingly make this our Report
on, [41.] The Premices for the Towns Consideration thereon
Dated in Boston this 28"^ day of July Anno Dom' 1732
Joseph Marion
Edward Durant
Theop^. Lillie.
Voted. That the Report of the Committee Relating to the Old
Decayed Buildings on Dock Squar with the Proix)sals of mess'^
Gibbs, Boj'lston, Noyce, and others, with m'' Franklins Proposals
be Continued untill the next march Meeting of this Town and That
mess" Joseph Marion, Edward Durant, Theop^ Lillie, William
Stoddard and Jeffry Bedgood be a Committee in the mean time to
tak into Consideration the said Proposals together with such other
proposals as may be layed before them in Order to Report to
the Town at the Said meeting in march next what in their Opinion
may Conduce most to the best Benifit and advantage of this Town,
and what the Town ought to do therein.
At a meeting of the Free holders and Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston Duly Qualified being Regulerly Assembled in a
Publick Town Meeting at the Town House, monday, march the
Twelfth 1732
After Prayer by the Rev' Doc"". Benjamin Colman.
Elisha Cooke Esq"", was Chose moderator for this meeting.
Suudrys Laws against Imoraiity &c. Read.
Sundry Petitions Read & motion made viz'.
A Petition for Paving in Orange Street.
John Chambers Petition
Watchmens Petition
Sam^l Bots Petition
Zecha*. Hicks Petition
A motion of the Overseers of the Poor.
A Proposal of Sundry about a market.
For Paving in winter Street.
about a water-Course in water Street.
Jonathan William.s about the Grainer}'.
about water Engine-men
about an office for the Town-Clerk
The Constables Petition
[43.] Samuel Checkley Chose Town Clerk and Sworn.
Votes for a County Treasurer, Numbred and Sealed up in the
prence of Joshua Townsend Constable to be delivered by llim to
the Clerk of the Sessions. The votes were 389.
38
City Doclwient No. GG.
Voted to Chuse assessors Distinct from the Select men.
Voted to Chuse Seven Selectmen.
Mess" Edward Bromfield Jun"" ^
William Downe
Jonathan Armitage
Refused Thomas Lee
David Colton
John Jeffties
Joshua Winslow
)- Chosen Select men.
Joseph Wadsworth Esq"' Chose Town Treasurer, and Sworn.
Officers for Bumny Marsh Chosen Viz'
Jacob Chamberlin — Constable — Sworn
Samuel Tattle )
Thomas Pratt j"
Nathan Cheever — Sealer of Leather.
Sworn John Hasy
Sworn Isaac Lewis Jun""
Fence Viewers
Hogreves
Voted. That there be alowed and Payed out of the Town
Treasury ; the Sum of Sixty Pounds for the year Currant To a Suta-
ble Person for a School master at Rumny Marsh to the Satisfac-
tion of the Select men He giving his atendance for whole year to
be paid Quarterly.
Voted. To Chuse seven Overseers of the Poor.
John Ruck Esq''
m"" Jonathan Jackson
m'' Jeffry Bedgood
m"" Samuel Greenwood |> Overseers of the Poor.
Henry Derng Esq""
m'' John Hunt
m' John Hill
mess" Jonas Clark
James Watson
Daniel Loring
Richard Buckle}' }■ Assessors
Jacob Sheaf
Peter Thomas
Mathew Adams
Voted to Chuse Twelve Constables
[43.] Voted. That this meeting be adjorned to To-morow
morning, Eight of the Clock.
Excused John Clark Chandler^
Peter wroe
Nathan^^ Fletcher
Martin Brimmer
Mathew Barnard
John Osborn
Samuel Grant
John Little
John Smith, Bruer
Edward Brazier
pay
pay
pay
Swoi'n
pay
pay
Appeald
pay
Sworn
!- Chose Constables.
Boston Town Records, 1732.
39
J' Fence Viewers
^Clerks'of the Market
Sworu James Dawson ")
Sworn John Allin |
Sworn Thomas Inches )■ Sealers of Leather
Sworn Josiah Carter
Sworu Joshua Dodge
Sworn John Endicot
Sworn Hopestill Foster
Sworn Benja'' Russell
Sworn Roger Stainer
Joseph Ricks
Sam^' Couiball
William Eustis
Sworn Stephen Greenleaf e ^
Sworn Micael Homer '
Sworn Nicholas Lash
Sworn - William Mower
Swora - David Colson Jun""
Sworn - Thomas warde
Sworn - Alford Butler
Sworn - John Waters
Joseph Dyar
John Taylor
George Monk
William Young
Joseph Gerrard
Charles Coffin
Benja^ Pollard
Richard Billings
Nathan'^ Gardner
James Gary
Henry Gibbs
Richard Hubbard
John Potwine
Benja" Bridge
John Fitch
Isaac Dupee
Sworn - Edward Moberly
Sworn - Joseph Lowden
Sworn - Edward Richards
Sworn - William Paine
Sworn - Edward Page
Sworn - Francis More
Sworn — John Crosby
John Clear
John Henderson
Jona". Neale.
[44.] Voted. That the Select men and Such as they Shall
Desire to accompany them be Inspectors of the Schools for the
year Insueing.
Nathan" Salenstal Esq' Chose a Selectman in the Room of
Thomas Lee, who Refused.
>■ Scavengers
1
I
! Viewers of Shingles,
] Boards, &c.
I
J
1
I
)■ Hogreves
J
40
City Document No. 66.
Whether a Market under Proper Regulations would be of Servis
and Benefit to the Town.
Voted in the affermative.
Voted. To Chuse a Coinittee to Project a Schem for Regulating
a Markett and to lay it before the Town at their Next General
IMeeting & CoP Thomas Fitch Esq"' Thomas Hutchinson Esq''
Jacob Wendal Esq"" m'' Nathan'* Cunningham, John Colman Esq'
m"" George Cradock and Thomas Palmer Esq' be the Said Co-
irittee.
Whereas there are Several Old Houses at Dock Square belonging
to the Town which are in a Ruenous Condition and not worth
Reparing.
Voted That they be forthwith Demolished, To prevent hurt and
Damage to Persons Passing by the Same, And That the Select
men be Directed and Impowred forthwith to Effect the Same in
the Best manner they can for the Servis of the Town.
Inasmuch as m' Henry Gibbs has very Lately Incroched on the
Towns Land on Dock Square by Erecting frames thereon
Therefore Ordered That the Select men take Effectual Care
That the Said frames be Demolished.
On the Petition of m' Zeck'^ Hicks assistant to m' Procter.
Voted. That there be alowed to m"" Zech^ Hicks at the Rate of
)ne Hundred Pounds P' Annum as assistant to m' Procter to be
Paid Him Quarterly.
Voted That it be Left with the Select men to Reward Such of
the watchmen as Shall be found faithfull in their trust not Exceed
ten Shillings P' month.
Voted. That there be alowed and Payed to John Chambers the
Sum of Six pounds for His Ringing the Bell at the South
meeting House at one of the Clock for the year Insueing.
Voted. That the Select men Prefer a Petition To the Great and
General Court on behalf of the Town To bring forward an action
of Review of an Action Comenced by mess" Thomas Cushing,
Ezekiel Lewis and Nathan'* Green Esq' a Comitte against Thomas
Palmer Esq' for Possession of a Sertaine Tenement on Dock Square
the time Limitted by Law for a Review being Expired notwithstand-
ing.
Voted, this Meeting be adjorned to three of the Clock after-
noon.
[45.] Excusd Moses Ay res
Excusd Joseph Shead
Excusd Icabod Rogers
pay Ephraim Copeland
Sworn William Oven
Sworn William Torry
pay Peter Stone
Sworn John Peirce
Excused George Tilly
Sworn James Bennit
Voted. That a Sutable office be provided in the Town House to
Receive the Records and Papers belonging to the Town.
Voted That m' Samuel Boss His Petition be left with the
)■ Chose Constables
J
Boston Town Recokds, 1732. ' 41
Select men to Enquire about it and make Report to the May
meeting.
Or the Petition of the Water Enginemeu.
Voted. That the Petition be Granted and That tliey be Excused
from al other offices of the Towns Choise of them.
On the Petition about Water Street.
Voted. That it be left with the Select men to Enquire into that
afair, and make Report to the Town at their May meeting.
Voted. That m'' Sam^ Holyoke be established as master of the
School lately kept by m'' Edward Mil s Deceaced.
Voted That m'' Sam^ Holyoke haue paid Him One Hundred &
Twenty pounds P"" annum and haue the use of the House m"" Mills
lived in His Salary to Coiiience from the Death of M"" Mills.
Voted. That the Report of the Comittee about the Treasurers
acco"' be accepted and That he Be discharged accordingly.
Voted. That Joseph Wadsworth Esq'' Town Treasurer be alowed
& payed Out of the Town Treasury One Hundred Ponnds for His
Servis in that office for the year past
Voted. To Chuse a Coiuitte to Audit and Examine the Treas-
urers acco"' for the year Insuing, And to take Care that the Several
Drafts made by the Select men and Overseers of the Poor, be
agreeable to the Laws of the Province, and also to Report the
Ballance Remaing in the Treasurers Hand — and
Voted. That John Alford Esq'' Jacob Wendell Esq'' Thomas
Fitch Esq'', Hugh Hall Esq'' and m'' Nathan*^ Cunningham or any
three of them be the Committee.
Voted, a Grant of fiue Thousand three Hundred pounds To be
Raised on the Inhabitants and Estates within this Town, for
Releif of the Poor, Defraying the Charges of the watches. Paving
and other necessary Charges Arising within and for the said
Town for the year Insuing.
Sworn Benja" Salisbery ~]
pay alexander Hunt
pay John Johnson [p, p , ,,
Excused Thomas Stoddard
pa}^ Francis Warden
pay William Fearfield
On the Petition of n/ Jona" Williams Voted
[46.] Voted. That the Sum of Twenty Six pounds be
Alowed to the Said Jonathan Williams being for So much Stolen out
of the Grainery To be Charged by Him in His next years accom[)t.
Voted, this meeting be adjorned to to-morrow Morning nine of
the Clock.
On the Petition of Sundry Inhabitant about Paving in Orange
Street. Read, Debated and Voted it be Dismist.
On m' Jonathan Williams Petition for Alowance.
Voted, it be Refer'd to the Select men to Consider of and Re-
port to the Town at May meeting.
Sworn.- George Beard "^
Sworn - Henry Pidgion |
Sworn - Roger llardcastle )■ Chose Constables
Sworn - Agusten Ilayle | •
pay - John Pim j
42 ' City Document No. bb.
Voted. To Chiise a Coniitte of three persons to he Impowred
for La3iDg out the Money appropriated for Purchasing Grain for
the use of the Town for tlie year Insueiug.
Voted. That Capt Henry Bering, m"" Nathan" Cunningham and
m'' Peter Thomas be the Said Couiittee
Voted. That the Selectmen be Desired to Regulate the Price
of Grain Sold at the Grainery for the year lusueing.
pay - John Trayle - Chose Constable
Sworn - Benja" Williams - Chose Constable
Voted. That no new Lease of House or Land, belongin to the
Town be given or Granted by the Select men until Publick Notice
be given at least Twelve mouths, before the Expiration of the
former Lease, And That they Do not finish any New Lease in
More then Six months before the Expiration of the former.
On the Return of the Report of the Coinitte Chosen July the
28'^ 1732, To Consider the State of the Old Buildings at Dock
Squair &c. The Report was Read and
Voted, Thaukes to the CoiTiittee for their Care and pains taken
therein.
[47.] At a meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitant
of the Town of Boston Duly Qualified being Regurly assembled in
a Publick Town meeting at the Town House Wednesday May the
ninth 1733.
After Prayer by the Reve* m' William Cooper.
Elisha Cooke Esq' was Chose moderator for this meeting.
Sundry Petitions Read and Motions made,
for Paving in Merchants Row
m' John Cloughs Petition
Isaac Peirce His Petition
m" John Procters Petition
m*" Sam'' Watts, His Petition
The Constables Petition
A motion about Erecting Mash Potts
About a Common Shore for the Toombs
Voted, to Chuse 4 Representatives
Number of Voters were - - _ - 600
Elisha Cook Esq"^ .541
Sam" Welles Esq' 396
m' Thomas Cushing juu' 541
Chosen Representatives
Voted. That the meeting Adjorn to Three of the Clock after-
noon.
Met and the Voters were 554
m' Oxenbridge Thatcher with 296 votes was Chosen.
Voted. To giue Instruction to the Representatives now Chosen.
Voted That the Instructions to the Representatives the year Past
Ma}' the 17'*' 1732 Be the Instructions to the Representatives now
Chosen And Such others as are here Inserted.
Gentlemen
We the free holders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston Dul}' Qualified and Regulerly assembled &c.
Boston Town Eecokds, 1733. 43
In Confidence of 3'our Integrity wisdom and Courage liaue
Chosen you to Represent us in the Great and General Court of
this Province for the year Insueing, And altho we do not in the
Least Question your faithfullness to the true Intrest of this Pro-
vince in General, as well as to the Trade and Busyess of this
Town in Perticuler, yet Esteeming it our Duty in this unhappy
Juncture (wherein our Laws Libertys and Propperties are in tlie
Greatest Danger.) Earnestly to Eequest of you to Exert all your
Powers in Conjunction with the Other members of the Honourable
House of RepresentatiA'es to gard against and Defend us from all
Incroachments whatsoever that may bo attempted against our
Natural Rights or Charter Priviledges, And that our minds may be
always Present in your thoughts.
[48.] We would more Perticulerly Recommend to 3'ou.
P'. That you use 3'our utmost Endeavor That His Excelenc}'
our Governor may haue an Honor^^^ Support Sutable to the
Dignity of His JStatiou and the Circomstances of this Province.
And Inasmuch as we are apprahensive that the fixing a Sallary on
the Governor may Produce fatal Consequences, We Confide in
and Rely upon you to Exert your utmost Power & Influence, To
prevent the Passing any Bill in the House of Representatives, Re-
lating to His Support which may Settle the Salary for any Limited
time, or that may Prevent Obstruct or any ways Impead future
assemblys from Acting with the Same freedom former assemblys
Haue Enjoyed you are to Oppose any Bill for His Excelency
Support unless in the Same Bill Provision be made for the
Payment of all Publick Debts of the Province.
2ndiy. ^Yg Earnestly RecoiSend to 3'OU, The Care of the Treasury,
and that you use your utmost Indeavor, That it be Supplyecl with
Such Sufficient Sums of money as is necessary to answar the
Great Charge of tlie Province both Past and future. And we
depend upon 3'ou That you Oppose the Passing any Bill for the
Supply of the Treasury for the Payment of any Acco" of Charge
or Expence of Publick money, unless there be a Clause Inserted,
That the whole General Court haue the Inspection of the acco"
before Payment, And we Depend upon you That it be Don after
Such a manner as is Cousistant with the Saft}^ of this Province
and the Preservation of our Rights and Privileges. And inas-
much as the Charter Gives the Great and General Court full
power to Support the Government here by Enacting Such Laws
and Ordinances as they in their Great wisdom shall be best
adapted to Subserve the true Intrest of His Majestys Good
Subjects of this Province. A Complyance with Plis Majestys
Instructions would Inevitably Clash with the Power of making
Laws, and Deprive this People of one of the most valuable
Priviledges held & Enjoyed by the Charter.
We Therfore Injoyne you To oppose any Bill for the Supply
of the Treasuf, that may be brought forward in the Honourable
House of Representatives That may in the Least Bare upon our
natural Rights and Charter Priviledges wliich we appraheud the
giving in to the Kings Instructions would setainly do.
3'y- Whereas theie has bin Granted away in time past vast
44 City Document No. GQ.
Tracts of Land for the Setling new Townships in Auswar to the
Prayer of Divers Petitions that haue bin Prefered and too Often
Influences by Perticuler Persons who by their Art and Cunning
liaue gained to themselves Great Advantage therby without
being without Little or no Charge in forwarding &, Setling those
Townships, Where by Great Hurt and Damage has bin don the
Province.
We Therfore in an Espetial manner Recomend to you, That
you use your utmost Endeavor That the unapropriated Lands
Lying within the Late Colony of the Massachusetts New Plimouth
and Province of Main be [49.] divided to and among the
several Towns within Tiiis Province in the most Just and Equal
Proportion the Court may agree upon, And Subjected to Such
Terms of Settlement as Shall be Ordered.
The giving & Granting away the Publick Lands in the way and
Method lately Endeavored after being only to Serve Some Perticuler
Persons and give Others an Oppertunity to Inritch them Selves by
Indirect means, We therfore give it in Charge to you That you
use your utmost Influence, That no Lands be Disposed of to
Perticuler Persons But to the Several Towns in Equal Proportion
throughout this Province. These three Articles are what we
thought Propper to Recomend to you, And is in Order to Prevent
any Suggestions that may be Intimated, that in Acting on any of
these Heads you do not Act Agreeable to the mind of your prin-
cipals, or to Prevent any adjornments or Prorogations to Consult
your Principals as has bin done Heretofore.
The foregoing Instructions were Read and Voted to be the
Instructions to the Representatives now Chosen.
The Report of the Comittee about a market was Read.
Voted. That this meeting be adjorned to fryday next at Eight
of the Clock in the fore noon And then mett May the 11'^
On the Petition about Paving in Merchant Row.
Voted. That it be left with the Select men to Comply with the
Petition Provided the abutters do their Part as is usual.
On the Petition about a Market.
Voted That there be three places assigned for a market.
Voted. That in the Vacent place at or near the Town Dock be
one of the Places.
Voted. That the Open place near the old North meeting House
be another place for a market.
Voted. That the Third place be at or near the Great Tree at the
South end near m"^ Eliots House.
And the Co itte with the Select men were Desired to take the
Proposals and make Such additions or alteration^ as they Shall
se needfull in Order to haue them Printed to be debated at the
adjornment.
Voted. That in the Afair of the market. Rumny Marsh be
Excepted.
John Cloughs Petition was Read and Granted viz. That there be
three pence on the Pound alowed Him for Collecting the Rates
Comited to His Sone.
Isaac Peirce His Petition was Read and Voted That Six pounds
Boston Town Records, 1733. 45
be alowed and Paid Him for Einging the Bell at the old north
meeting House at one of the Clock for this year.
m'' Sam^ Watts Read & Refered to the adjorment.
m'" John Procters Petition Read and Continued to the adjornrnent.
m" Joseph Marions Proposals Read.
[50.] Voted That this Meeting be adjorned to May the 28'^
day at Nine of the Clock, in the forenoon. And then niett.
On the Petition about the water course in Water Street.
Voted. That the Select men be Directed and Impowred To use
the most Propper and Speedy method for Removing the Obstruc-
tion Refered to in the Petition and to make a Computation of the
Charge of Carrying the water aboue ground and Enquire of the
abutters what part of the Charge they are willing to be at and
Report the Same at the next Town Meeting.
On the Petition of m"" Jonathan Williams Referred to the Select-
men.
Voted. That the Report of the Selectmen be accepted. And that
the Sum of Sixteen Pounds be paid Him in full that Service ,
m'' Sam" Boss His Petition Relating to the Towns Land under
His Improuement with the Select men Report thereon, was Read,
and Accepted, which was That they Had veiwed the Land and are
of Opinion That it will not be for the Intrest of the Town to Sell:
the Same.
m'' Joseph Marions Proposals were Read, viz*
The first article. That a Comittee be Raised by the Town to
Enquire into and take Cognizance of all the Towns Rights in Land,
and on the Tresposes thereon, And that a Plann thereof be taken:
by a Surveyer, And that the Same be made of Records in the Town
Clerks office, with the annual Rent or Income the Same at Present
yeilds. That So the Towns may be made Certain of their Right*
and Income. Voted.
On the Second. Voted That the Selectmen or Such Coiiiittee or
Coinittes as the Town from time to time appoint to Employ Laborers,
artificers or workmen in the Service of the Town, or in Purchasing
Grain for the Town to Agree with Such Persons as they Shal
Employ or deal with to pay them in money as has bin the Custom
Here to fore.
On the Third Article. Voted. That upon Reading any Petition,
Remonstrance or Report, The time of Reading the Same, and what
the Town Shall be pleased to Vote thereon whether it be Disraist
or Otherwise.
On the fourth Article. Voted. That as many disputes and Groat
Inconvenience hau arised, Touching the votes of the Town for
want of Drawing the Votes, and Reading the Same before the
Meeting is over,
That for the future, all votes made and Past by the Town, be
Cotriitted to writing, while the Town meeting is in being, and Read
to the Town, That truth and Certanty thereof may be made known
before the meeting is up.
On the fifth Article. Voted That the Selectmen be directed and
Impowred to make application to the General Court at their next
Sessions for leave to bring forward a writ of Review in Order to
46 City Document Xo. i^Q.
the RecoveriDg Possesiou of Land and warehouse on the Dock now
in the Possession of Thomas Palmer Esq"' in Behalf of the Heirs
of Eliakin Hutchinson Esq"".
On the Sixth Article, was Read & Rejected.
[51.] The Proposals for Regulating a Market in this Town,
and the Coraittes & Select men Report thereon being Read and
Debated, It was Put to Vote whether the Town would haue a
market or not, and That the Same be Determined by a written
Vote.
Voted in the affermative.
The Town accordingly Proceeded to bring in their Votes, And
upon Counting the Same It appeared there 3l^4 yeas and 339 nays.
Then the meeting was Adjorned until four of the Clock in the
afternoon.
The Town being met. The Proposals of the Comitte and the
Select men for Regulating a Market were Read Seperatly and
Voted as follows.
That there be three market Places viz'
One in the Vacant place at Or near the Town Dock.
One at the Open Space before and about the old north meeting
House and One at or near the Great Tree at the South end Near
m' Eliots House.
And That whosoever shall or Expose to Sale, or That Buy any
flesh Poultry Eggs, Butter, Meal, Chees, Frute, Hearbs, Rootes
or Other Provisions in any Other Place or Places within the Said
Town Precinct or Liberty thereof then the Publick places aforesaid.
(Except Such Provisions as are hereafter Excepted), Upon the
Information of the Clerk of the market, or other proof thereof
made, Shall be fined in Proportion to the offence not Exceeding
twenty Shillings, as Shall be Judged b}' the Justice before whom
the Cause Shall Come.
2'^ That every day in the week Except the Lords Day be a
market day. And that a Bell be Rung of the opening of the market,
which Shall be at the Rising of the Sun thr6 the whole year, and
if an}^ Person or Persons Shall Sell or put to open Sale in the
Said Several markets any manner of Provisions or other Com-
modities or Shall buy any of them before the Ringing of the
Market Bell, such Offender or Otfenders being thereof Con-
vict Shall forfeit and Pa}' a fine of Tweut}^ Shillings for
Every Such Olfence And if any Person or Persons Shall Pre-
sume, to Buy or Cheapen, Any flesh, Fowles, Butter, Eggs,
meal, Herbs, Frute, Rutes or other Provisions, or victuals.
Corning to the Market Either by the Laud or water, or make any
Previous Contract, with any Seller, or Buy the Same in any other
Place, then in one of the Said markets, Shall forfeit and Pay for
each and Every Such Offence being thereof Convict the Sum of
Twenty Shillings.
3^y That all Sorts of Fish brcmght b}^ water, may be Sold at the
wharfs & Places usually Improved for that Purpose. But all Fish
Caught in the Rivers, Ponds and Brooks and brought by Land.
Shall be brought into & Sold in the market.
Boston Town Records, 1733. 47
4''' That if any Person or Persons bringing any Sort of Pro-
visions out of the Country into the Town of Boston for Sale
Either by Land or water, after the Setting up of the Said market,
Shall Sell offer or put to Sale, any of the Same in any Private
Houseware house Inn, Ale House, Tavern, Lane, Alley, Street or
other place or places whatsoever, within the Said Town, Precinct
or Libertys thereof, then in the Market places, or Some of them,
Every Person so Carrying, or offering to put to Sale, or to Buy
any Provisions, Shall forfeit Twenty Shillings for ever}' Such
Offence. Provided always that no Clause or P^xpression herein
Contained Shall Extend, Intend or be Judged to Restrain or
abridge any Butchers from Selling their Meat in their Sliops nor
[53.] such who Import by Sea any Grain, Meat or Fish Salted
lip in Barrels fiom Selling the Same on Board their Vessels, Nor to
the Seller of Swine, brought into the Town alive, nor Grain brought
by Land, nor Aples, Enions, nor turnops by the Bushel, or greater
quantities, nor milk nor Sider, as hath heretofore bin the Custome,
But it Shall and may be Lawfull for the Inhabitants of the Town
and others to purchase the aboue Mentioned Provisions in the
usual method as formcrl}'. But all other Provisions brought in by
Land or water to Sold in the Market.
5'^ That if any Person or Persons Shall Engross any Sort of
Provisions or victuals which is in the market to Retale there again,
Espesially Such as are known to be Hucksters, Butchers or other
people, Geting their Living by Such Provisions or victuals as they
would so Engross, Every Such Engrosser Shall forfeit Twenty
Shillings for every Such offence.
6'y That no Retailer, Hucksters, or Persons to Sell again, Shall
buy any flesh, fish, fowles. Eggs, Butter, Cheese, or an}^ other
Sort of Provisions Saleable in the Market, untill after twelve of the
Clock at Noon on pain of paying a fine of Twenty Shillings.
7'y 'I'hat if any Person or Persons Shall Presume to Expose to
Sale in the Said markets or Either of them unholsom or Stale
victuals, Blown meat, Leprous, or measly Swine, He She or they
So offending Shall forfeit and pay in Proportion to the Offence.
S'^. That no Cart or team be alowed to Stand near the Entrance
of the market place or Places but Shall Imediatly Depart upon
order of the Clerk of the market to the Driver So to do under the
Penalt}' of fine Shillings for Refusal or Neglect thereof.
9'y That the Informr, who Shall Sue for and Recover any
fines fortitures Sum and Sums of Money arising from the Breach
of any of those orders Shall be Entitled to Receive out of the
Treasury One half of the Sum So Received
lO'y That Propper Persons be appointed to keep Clean the
Markets, and to be under tne Direction of the Clerk of the Market
in there so doing.
ll'y That there be a Clerk of the Market now Chosen for each
Market Place by the Town, And hereafter at their annual meeting
in March, who Shall be Impowred to Supervise the Said Market,
And to take Effectual Care to prevent and Suppress all frauds,
abuses and Disorders that may arise therein, And Shall Costantly
attend and be in the market during the market time, i^nd Shall
48 City Document No. 66.
haue and Receive Such Salary for their Service as Shall be voted
them by the Town.
12'y That if any Person or Persons be found Trespassing
against any of the Rules and order before mentioned. The
Clerks of the Market are hereby Required and Directed to Prosse-
cute Such Offenders or Trespassers before [53.] Justice of the
Peace, In order to His or their being Prosecuted against and
Punished as is before Provided.
Voted. That Cap' James Watson be Clerk of the Market for
the vacant place at or near the Town Dock or wharf.
Voted. That Cap' John Steel be Clerk of the Market for the Open
Space before and about the old north Meeting-House.
Voted That m"" Francis Wiloughby be a Clerk of the Market for
the Space at or near the Great tree at the South end b}' m''
Eliots.
Voted. That John Colman Esqr Jocob Wendal Esq"^ m"" Nathan'^
Cunningham, m"" Daniel Goff, with the three Clerks of the market
now Chosen be a Committee, to make a Computation of the Cost
and Charges of Erecting the Several markets, and to Receive any
motion from the Inhabitants of Hireing or Leasing any of the Said
places, Proposed to Erect a market in And make Report to the
Town at their next meeting.
m"" John Procter Petition for an addition to His Salary at the
North writing School.
Read and Voted That the Sum of Thirty Pounds P'' Annum be
added to His Salary to begin from this Day.
m'' Sam^^ Watts Petition for Remitting Twenty Pounds due for
the Hire of the Ferry.
Voted. That the Same be Remitted.
Voted. That the Select men be Desired to Effect the Erecting
of an OfHce in the Town House for the Town Clerk to Lodg the
Town Books & papers in.
The Request of Sundry Persons belonging to the District of
Rumny Marsh, for an addition to their Schoolmasters Salary, Con-
tinued to the next meeting.
Voted. That the Committee to be Chosen for Enquiring into
the Towns Rights be Continued to the Next Town meetin.
The motion Respecting a Drain for the Toombs in the South
Burying Place, Refered to the Next Meeting. The meeting Dis-
mist.
At a Meeting of the Fi'ee holders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston Duly Qualified being Regurly Assembled in a
Publick Town Meeting at the Town House on Tuesday June the
Twenty Sixth 1733 —
Elisha Cooke Esq'" Chose moderator for this meeting.
A motion made by m"" Joseph Marion about Everill Lease.
A motion made to Chose A Coinitte to Treat with m'' Palmer and
m' Gibbs Relating to their Clames in Dock Squir.
About the Report of the Committe about a Market.
The Report was Read and the Question whether it Should be
Determined by a Written Vote. Voted in the affermative.
Boston ToTVT^f Eecoeds, 1733. 49
The Town accordingly Proceded to bring in their Votes and
upon Counting the Same ther apeared to be 805 Voters.
yeas 390 and 415 nays
[54.] Voted The Coiuittees Report not being accepted, that
they Proceed no further upon the Consideration thereof at this
Meeting, But Refer it to the next General Meting in March next.
Voted, this meeting be adjorned to fiue of the Clock after noon
& Being met
On the Report of the Select men about the Water Course in
Water Street.
The Report was Read which was
Pursuant to the vote of the Town at their meeting the ninth of
May Last, Relating to the obstruction in water Street, we have
viewed the Same and are of Opinion That the most Effectual way
to Remove it would be by Carrying the water into the Dock by m"^
Alfords warehouse, The charg of which will amount to about four
Hundred Pounds.
We haue also Inquired of the abbuttars and find they are willing
to pay Two Hundred Pounds thereof. Boston, June 18"" 1733
William Down, Edward Bromfield Jun"^ Jona° Armitage, David
Colsou, John Jeffries, Joshua Winslow, Nathan" Saltonstall —
Select men.
Voted not Accepted.
Voted. To Chuse a Coiuitte to take Effectual Care to open the
antient natural water-course in water Street.
Voted. That a Coihitte be Chosen of fiue Persons for Said
work.
m'' Andrew Tyler, Samuel Wellis Esq' m'' Nathan" Cunningham,
Cap* James Goold, and m"" Joseph Marion, be the Committee.
Voted. That the Coini^tee Raised Some time Since to Consider
the State of the Old Buildings in Dock Squair be Desired and
Directed to proceed to take the Deposition of Persons In Perpet-
uam Rei Memoriam Relating to the Towns Rights in the Dock.
Whereas James Oglethorp Esq'' who is Speedily Expected hear,
hath at Sundry times in the Parlament of Great Britain Expressed
a hearty care and Concern for the Good of the Provinces & Colo-
uys on this Continent and a Special manner moved Several things
in Support of the true Intrest of this Government and the Estab-
lishing the Trade and Business thereof.
Voted. That the Representatives of this Town, a Considerable
Branch or member of this Province, together with the Select men
when that Honourable Gentle man Shall arive here, do in the name
and behalf of this Town Return Him their Thanks, and let Him
know how kiudl}' they take His Good Office, and That his free and
generous Actions Shall haue a lasting Remembrance and bid Him
a Hearty welcome here.
[55.] Voted, To Chuse a Committee of fiue Persons to
Enquire into all the Rights in Lands.
m"' Joseph Marion, m"" John Stun! ford, John Colman Esq"" m''
William Stoddard and m"" Jeffry Bedgood. Voted to be the Com-
mittee
Voted. That ten pounds P"" Annum be added to the Salary of
50 City Document No. Q6.
m'" Belcher Hancock School master at Eumny marsh, to begin the
Twent}' lirst day of march last past.
about the motion for the Drain from the Toombs in the South
Burying Place.
Voted, to be Refered to the next Town meeting and in the
mean time the Select men make a Computation of the Charg of
Carrying the water into the Common Shore.
At a meeting of the Free holders and Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly Qualified being Regulerly Assembled in a
Publick Town meeting at the Town House Wednesday August the
first 1733.
Elisha Cooke Esq'" was Chosen moderator for this meeting
upon a motion made
That whenever the Town be warned for a Towns meeting By
order of the Select men That the Constables haue Printed tickets
provided for them to warn the Inhabitant by. Voted in the afferma-
tive. unanimously.
m"" nathaniel Cunningham made a motion. That the Town would
alow Som thing toward the Charge of a Private watch in the Town
at the Dock. Left for Consideration.
The Petition of John Metcalf of Dedhara Joshua Mors of Med-
field and others for Erecting a new County out of the Countys of
Suffolk and Midlesex
Voted. That they will Chuse a Committee of fine Persons to take
that Affair into Consideration, and Prepare Reasons to Lay before
the General Court why the Prayer Should not be granted. And lay
them before the Town at' the adjorment of this meeting.
Voted. That Edward Hutchinson, Anthony Stoddard, Thomas
fitch, Samuel Sewall, jun', and Jacob Wendell Esq" be the Said
Committee.
Voted. That this meeting be adjorned to Fryday August the
tenth Currant at fine of the Clock afternoon.
The Town being met August the Tenth According the adjornment.
The Comitte made their Report which is as follows viz'.
We the Subscribers being appointed a Coihittee by the Town
of Boston at their meeting on the first Instant, to prepare Some
Reasons, to be Offred to the Town in order to be layed before the
General Court, why the Petition of John Metcalfe of Dedham Esq""
Joshua Morse of Medfield and others, for Erecting a new County
out of the Countys of Suffolk & Midlesex Should not be granted,
having and Considered that afair.
Humbly Offer our Reasons against the Same.
[56«] 1. That there haue bin fine of the most Remote Towns
belonging to this County, viz' Mendon, Woodstock, Sutton, Oxford
& Uxbridge lately taken off from this County, towards Erecting
another, by which means the County is so Reduced, that the In-
habitants of even the most Remote Towns remaining in this
County haue not far to travel to their Count}' Town, whereas in
England, their Countys are vastly mor populous, and many of them
of much Larger extent, And great Numbers of the People in divers
of the Countys are at a greater distance from their Sheir Town that
Boston Town Recoeds, 1733. 51
any of the People in the County of Suffolk are, and yet they haue
Contentedly Remained So ever Since the Reign of King Alfred, and
if it had bin found inconvenient or detrimental to the people, that
live in those large Countys, undoubtedly from that time to this,
they would haue moved to the Parliament for Releif & endeavors
would haue bin us'd To Lesson them, which we never heard of.
2. That there is only the Town of Dedham of the Several Towns
desiring to be Set off that sends an}- Petty Jurors to the Court of
Common Pleas or General Sessions of the Peace, And Some of
them Send no petty Jurors to the Superior Court nor Grand Jurors
to either Court which manifests that their Attendance &c. on the
Courts can't be so buthensome as they would Insinuate especially
considering there has lately bin made a Considerable augmentation
of the Jurors Fees by the Legislature
b. That in Case the Towns Petitiond for Should be taken Off,
from the Count}' of Suffolk, yet it will be no ease to them in Such
Cases wherein the Plantifs dwell in Said County, for they must
then give their attendance at the Several Courts, as they now do.
4. That there being frequently Causes depending between His
Majestys good Subjects in Boston, and the adjacent Towns, con-
serniug titles of Land and other matters, and many gentlemen ia
the Country Towns being ver}' well Qualified, may be very Ser-
vesable as Jurors in Such Cases &c. of which having had long
Experience, we cau not Esteem it Reasonable that this County
Should be Debarr'd any further of the good Services of its Country
neighbours within the County nor to act so disagreeable to the long
Experienced, well Regulated and Established practice in the South
part of Great Britain So to Lesson the County.
5. That to Multiply Countys is not for the Publick good, for
instead of easing them that Petition to be Set off it will Increase
their Charges for they must build a Court House and A Prison &c.
and must of themselves furnish Jurors, for the Superior and
Inferior Courts and Gene'.' Sessions of the Peace, and if they
Should be Set Off it will tend much to multiply Law Sutes among
them, and other mischifs and Inconveniences would increase,
besides the Multiplying of Countys maj' prove Injurious to the
Publick, by the Governments, at Home being induced [57.] to
think we are bigger and more Considerable then we realy are, for
we have Eleven County's in this Province already, whereas in Eng-
land, they haue but Forty County's, although they they are Com-
puted to be Fifty times bigger then this Province.
To Conclude if the prayer of the Petition should be granted, it
would be a bad president, for with the Same Semblance of Reason
other County's may Seek to be divided, and by this Method, the
Province would be Subdived into Petty Countys, whereby the
Charges and inconveniences of the People, would be vastly in-
creaced. Wherefore humbly hope our Fathers in the Government,
will Se just cause to Continue the County of Suffolk as it now is,
and to dismiss Said Petition which to us Seems unreasonable
All which is humbly Submitted by Tiio^ Fitch
Edward Hutchinson
Boston August 10"* 1733 : Anthony Stoddard
Jacob Wendell
52 City Document No, 66.
Which Return was Several times Read and Debated, Then read
Article b\' Article and Severally Voted in the Affermative to be
Accepted.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly qualified and Regurly Assembled in A
Publick Town Meeting at the Town House Fryday Septem'' the
Twenty first : 1733
After prayer by the Rev' m'' William Cooper
Edward Hutchinson Esq"" was Chose Moderator for this Meeting
by the majoritor of Voters :
A Motion made by m'' Joseph Marion about chusing Colectors
of Taxes
A Motion of the Selectmen Relating a Grainerj^ at the North-
end.
The Question was Putt : Whether or no the Representatives of
this Town in the Affair of the Supply of the Treasury be left to
use their best Judgment and Discression notwithstanding the In-
struction given them in May Last
Voted That it Should be desided by a Written vote, And that
they that were for it Should write yea, And they against it ^slj.
The Voters were 240 : The yeas' were 153, Nays were 87 :
On A Motion Made by m'' Nathaniel Cunningham august the
first
That the Town would alow Something toward the Charge of A
watch at the Dock called the Merchants Watch which has hitherto
bin Supported by A Number of Merchants.
Voted that Fifty Pounds P"" Annum be alow'cl and paid out of
the Town Treasury toward the Support of Said Watch, Provided
it be Regulated as the Law directs, And the Merchants Continu-
ing to bear the Remaing part of the Charge
[SSo] Voted That the Selectmen be desired to make applica-
tion to the General Court That the Town may haue Libert}^ for
the year Currant to Chuse Collectors of the Taxes notwithstanding
the time Limited by the Law Relating to the Choice of Such
Officers be Elapced.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly qualified and Regurly Assembled in a Pub-
lick Town Meeting at the Town House On Tuesda}^ October the
Sixteenth: 1733 —
Edward Hutchinson Esq"" Chose Moderator for this Meeting
A Motion Made by the Town Treasurer About taking Road
Island Bills of the New Emition might be Considred
Voted to Chuse three Collectors for the Town of Boston, One
of which Shall be for the District of Rumuy Marsh
Voted to Alow the Collectors Nine pence on the Pound for Col-
lecting the Taxes Provided they giue Sufficient Security to the
Satisfaction of the Selectmen
Voted to Chuse the Collectors by Written Votes, And that they
be Chosen by the Major part of the Voters :
The voters were 126
Boston Town Records, 1733. 53
Cap* Daniel Goff was Chosen b}- 121 votes & m'' Nathan^^ Gard-
ner was Chosen by 114 votes
Voted to Chuse the Collector for Rumny Marsh by A Handy
vote
m'" Jacob Chamberlain, now Constable was Chosen Collector for
the District of Rumny Marsh and to haue the Same Alowance for
Collecting as the Other Collectors, He giving the like Security
About A Grainery at the North End
Voted That A House be Erected on the Towns Land at the
Northend of Boston for a grainery or Meal House, Not to Exceed
the Cost of One Hundred Founds —
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitant of the
Town of Boston Duly Qualified and Regulerly Assembled in A
Publick Town Meeting at the Town House Wednesday October
the Thirty first. 1733
Sam'^ Welles Esq'' Chose Moderator for this Meeting
Voted to Proceed to Chuse Collectors.
Voted To Chuse three persons for Collectors for the Town of
Boston Seperate from the District of Rumny Marsh
Voted That the Town will not Come to any further Consideration
of the Alowance to the Collectors, But that the Alowance be nine
pence on the Pound, Agreeable to the Vote of the Sixteenth
Instant, The Collectors giving Sufficient Security to the Satis-
faction of the Selectmen
Voted To Chuse Collectors by A Written vote and that they
be Chose who haue the highest votes — Nathan^^ Barber, John
Staniford, Jacob Sheaf, were chosen collectors by the Highest
votes, —
Voted That the Town Treasurer be Directed to Refuse any of
the Road Island Bills of the New Emition in Publick payment —
Voted that the meeting be Dismist —
[59.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston Duly Qualified and Regurly Assembled in
a Publick Town Meeting At the Town House on Wednesday Nov''
the Twenty first 1733 —
John Jeffries Esq'' Chosen Moderator for this Meeting
Voted To Chuse another Collector in the Room of John Stam-
ford
Daniel Pecker was Chosen Collector
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitant of the
Town of Boston duly Qualified and Regulerly Assembled in A
Publick Town Meeting at the Town House Fry day the first: 1733
Elisha Cooke Esq'' was Chosen Moderator for this Meeting
Upon the Afair of the Overseers of the Poor —
Voted That it be Rcfered to the Town Meeting in March Next
and That the Overseers of the Poor be Desired to giue their Opin-
ion therein to the Town
Voted To Chuse A Committee of Five Persons To Consider the
Memorial of Henery Gibbs About the Out Wharfs, And Report to
54 City Document No. 66.
the Town at their Meetuig in March next : what is Proper to be
don therein.
Mess" Joseph Marion
Jeffry Bedgood
Robert Rand
Sam" Adams Esq'
William Stoddard
Said Committee —
were Chosen to be the
At a Meetin of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the
Town Duly Qualified and Regurly Assembled in A Publick Town
meeting at the Town House Fryday February the 22"' 1733.
The Hono'''^ Thomas Fitch Esq'' was Chose Moderator for this
Meeting
Voted Nemine Contradicente
That the Hono*^'^ Thomas Fitch Esq% with the Selectmen be de-
sired Forthwith To Represent the Decaying Circomstances of the
Fortifications of this Town, To the Cap' General, And Desire He
would please to Lay the Same before the General Court, In Order
to Obtain A Sutable Alowance to put the Town into a Proper
Posture of Defence It being the Key of the Province —
[60.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston duly Qualified, being Regularly Assembled
at a Public Town Meeting, at the Town House, Monday, March
the 11«' 1733.
After Prayer, by the R^v. Mr. Thomas Foxcroft.
The Hon''''' Elisha Cooke Esq"" was Chosen Moderator for this
Meeting.
Voted, That this Meeting be adjourned to the Public Meeting
House in Brattle Street ; The Town making good all damage that
Shall be done it by reason of the Meeting being there.
Samuel Gerrish was Chosen Town Clerk, and Sworn b^'' E.
Cooke Moderator.
Sundry Laws against Immorality &c. Read.
Sundry Petitions Read, and Motions made. Viz'
Benjamin Fisher.
Peter Briton.
The Engine Men.
William Rand.
Belcher Hancock.
Bartholomew Sutton.
Proposals for lessening the Charge of the Town.
Memorial of Henry Gibbs.
Report of the Committee ab' the Towns Rights.
Report of the Committee ab' the Out Wharves.
A Motion made by Jonathan Williams relating to the Trees in
the Common.
The said William's Motion relating to Town Bulls.
Another Motion of said Williams relating to the Marishes in the
Common.
Boston Town Eecoeds, 1733. 55
A Motion of the Select Men, for the Town to come into some
Methods to prevent frauds in the weight of Hay.
[61.] The Select Men Inform'd the Town, that the Rev' Mr.
Williams intends shortly to leave the South Grammar School.
A Motion of Mr. Joseph Marion's That the Town would Peti-
tion the General Court, for leave to bring forward a Writ of
Review against Thomas Palmer Esq"" for possession of a Warehouse
on the Doclv.
A Motion of Elisha Cooke Esq"" relating to the Fines of the
Militia ; That the Town would give Instructions to their Represen-
tatives, concerning that affair.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Three of the Clock,
Afternoon.
And being Assembled accordingly.
Voted, To choose Overseers of the Poor, distinct from the
Select Men.
Voted, To Choose Assessors, distinct from the Select Men.
Voted, To Choose Seven Select Men.
The Hon''"^ John Jeffries Esq"
Mr. Edward Bromfield Jun""
Capt. William Downe.
Capt. Jonathan Armitage.
Mr. David Colson.
Mr. Joshua Winslow.
Capt. Alexander Forsyth.
Were Chosen Select Men, for the Year ensuing.
Voted, To Choose Nine Overseers of the Poor.
[63.] John Ruck Esq"^
Jacob Wendell P^sq'
Henry Dering Esq"^
Mr. Jonathan Jackson.
Capt. Samuel Greenwood.
Mr. John Hunt.
Capt. Jeffery Bedgood
Mr. John Hill.
William Tyler Esq^
Were Chosen Overseers of the Poor.
Voted, That the Affair of the Market ; and of the Fortifications
come under Consideration, Tomorrow at 10 of the Clock in the
Forenoon.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned, until Tomorrow Morn-
ing, at 8. of the Clock.
And being Assembled,
Officers for Rumuey Marsh, were Chosen, Viz'
Mess" Joseph Whittemore ----- Constable. Sworn
HughFh^d- Fence Viewer..
Stephen Kent ------- )
John Tevvksbery ------ t
TA • 1 rr. <.*.! -1 "^ i Hog-reves.
Daniel Tutthil ) ^
John Hasey - - _ . - Sealer of Leather
56
City Document No. Q6.
y Were Chosen Sealers of Leather.
Mess" James Dawson.
John Allen
Thomas Inches.
Josiah Carter.
Joshua Dodge.
Votes for County Treasurer were number'd and Sealed up by
William Torrey Constable, by him to be kept and returned unto the
Clerk of the Sessions.
[63.] Mess" Joseph Russell. ~]
Hopestil Foster. I
Benjamin Russel. |
Roger Stainer. ^Were Chosen Fence Viewers.
Joseph Rix - Excus'd
Samuel Cunnabel
"William Eustis.
Mess" Richard True - - Paid.
Jonathan Neal - - - Sworn.
Joseph Bradford - - Excus'd.
John Staniford - - - Excus'd.
Thomas Boucher - - Paid.
Rowland Houghton - - Paid.
Thomas Hill - - - Paid.
William Thomas _ - - -
Mess" John Fitch.
David Cutler.
David Mason.
Hopestil Foster.
John Taylor.
John "Wheelright.
William Downes.
Benjamin Edwards.
Nathanael Belknap,
Benjamin Bronsdon
Nathaniel Gardner.
John Carnes.
Joseph Turell.
Philip Bongarden.
Were Chosen
' Clerks of the Market.
Were Chosen Scavengers.
Mess"^' Thomas Trott - Sworn.
Ezekiel Carver - - Sworn.
John Little - - Paid.
John Simpson - - Sworn . J
[64.] Mess" Samuel Clark, Jun"" - Sworn.
Edward Moberly.
Edward Richards - - - Sworn.
William Paine.
Francis More.
John Endicot.
Were Chosen Hogreves.
Were Chosen
Viewers of
Shingles, &c.
Voted, To Choose Collectors, to gather the Taxes for the Year
ensuing.
Voted. To Choose Twelve Constables, for the Year ensuing.
Boston To^^^s^ Eecords, 1733.
57
Mess" James Pitts -
- Paid. • ^
William Keneday
- Paid.
Pyam Blower - - -
- Excus'd.
George Lineham
- Excus'd.
Balthazar Bayard
- Sworn.
Were Chosen
Constables.
John Steel _ _ .
- Paid.
Thomas Gnnter
- Paid.
AVilliam Bulfinch -
- Paid.
Henry Limbre}'
- Paid.
Thomas Oxnard
- Paid.
Voted, To Choose a Committee to think of, and assign, Three
suitable Places for Erecting Markets, the Cost and Charge thereof,
and how to be defrayed ; and make Eeport at the adjournment
of this Meeting.
The Town accordingly proceeded to bring in their Votes in
Wx'iting, and on numbering them 'twas found, there were 916
Voters. Of which 517 were Yeas, and 399 Nays.
Voted, To proceed to the Choice of the Said Committee.
Voted, That the Number of this Committee be Five.
[65.] Voted, That the Hon'''^ Thomas Fitch Esq'
Edward Hutchinson Esq"^
Thomas Palmer Esq"" and
Jacob Wendell Esq'' with
Mr. Nathanael Cunningham,
be the Committee.
Voted, That the Committee aforesaid make their Eeport on
Wednesday next the 20th, instant at Three of the Cock post
meridiem
Voted, That the Consideration of the Affair of the Fortifications
be adjourned, until Four of the Clock this Afternoon.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Three of the Clock
afternoon.
And being Assembled accordingly.
The Hon**'* Joseph Wadsworth Esq'' was unanimously Chosen
Town Treasurer, for the j'ear ensuing.
Voted, To Choose a Committee of Seven Persons, to View, and
report their Opinion of the most Convenient Places in this Town,
for Fortifications.
James Bowdoin Esq""
Thomas Fitch Esq"^
Mr. Thomas Lee.
Joseph Wadsworth Esq'
Jacob Wendell Esq''
Capt. John Henderson, and
Edward Hutchinson Esqy
Were accordingly Chosen to be this Committee.
Voted, That Capt. Thomas Durell be Desired to meet, advise,
and consult with the aforsaid Committee, upon the said Affair :
And that the Committee, be [66.] Desired to make their
Report, if possible, To-Morrow at Four of the Clock, Afternoon.
Voted, To Choose Seven Assessors.
58 City Document No. 66.
Mess" Jonas Clark.
Richard Buckley.
James Watson.
Daniel Loring.
Peter Thomas.
Mathew Adams, and
Jacob Holyoke Exeus'd
Were Chosen Assessors, for the Year Ensuing.
Upon the Petition of Belcher Hancock,
Voted, That the Sum of Ten Pounds be added to the Salary
of the Schoolmaster in Rumny Marsh.
Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned until Tomorrow Morning,
at Eight of the Clock.
Being accordingly Assembled.
Mess" Stephen Greenleaf ------ Sworn.
Nathanael Thwing --. Sworn.
Thomas Stoddard Sworn.
Abijah Adams Sworn.
John Colman Jun'' and ------- Paid.
Joseph Snelling Sworn.
Were Chosen Constables.
A Motion was made by the Select Men for the Choice of Tything
Men.
Upon the Petition of the Engine Men,
Voted, That they may be Excused from all Town OfBces, for
the Year currant.
[67.] Upon a Report of the Committee appointed to Consider
the Memorial of Henry Gibbs, about the Out- Wharves,
Voted, That the same be Accepted. ,
The Memorial of Henry Gibbs, which was read at the Opening
of this Meeting, Read again, and Dismist.
Upon' the Petition of Benjamin Fisher,
Voted, That it be refered to the Select Men, to Consider the
Subject Matter thereof, and make Report thereon, at the Next
Town Meeting.
Bartholomew Sutton's Petition, was Read, and debated, and
Voted, That it be Dismist
Upon a Motion made by Mr. Jonathan Williams, relating to the
Trees planted in the Common.
Voted, That the Row of Trees already Planted in the Com-
mon, be taken care of by the Select Men from time to time ; And
that another Row of Trees be Planted there, at a suitable dis-
tance.
Voted, That a Row of Posts, with a Rail on the top of them be
set up, and continued thro' the Common from the Burying Place to
Col" Fitch's fence ; Leaving Openings at the several Streets and
Lanes.
And, in Order to prevent further waste of the Trees in the
Common,
Voted, That there be allow'd and paid out of the Treasury, a
Reward of Forty Shillings to any Person that shall inform against,
and convict any Person or Persons [68.] of Cutting down or
BosTOx TowN^ Records, 1733. 59
despoiling any of the Trees already planted in the Common, or
that may be hereafter planted there. Also,
Voted, That the same Reward be given to those AYho shall
convict any person or persons of breaking any of the Posts and
Rails that shall be put up in the Common as aforesaid.
Upon a Motion of Mr. Jonathan Williams relating to the Marish
at the bottom of the Common,
Voted, That Capt. Nathanael Cunningham
Mess" James Allen, and
Robert Rand —
be a Committee to make an Estimate of the Cost and Charge of
the Effectual Securing the same, And Report the same at the
adjournment of this Meeting the 20th, instant.
At a Motion of the Select Men, Viz* That Three Shillings p
Head on the Cows going on the Common is not Sufficient to
maintain the Bulls.
Voted, That Two Shillings p head be added for the some purpose.
Mess" Peter Oliver Paid.
Adam Winthrop Jun'' Paid.
Thomas Hutchinson Jun-" Paid.
John Davenport - Paid.
Habijah Savage Jun"" Excus'd.
Simeon Stoddard, and, ------- Paid.
William Williams - - - Paid.
Were Chosen Constables.
[69.] Capt. Daniel Pecker ------- Sworn.
Mess" Jacob Sheaf e, and Refus'd.
Nathanael Barber Sworn.
. Were Chosen to be Collectors of the Taxes for the Year ensuing.
Voted, That Nine pence upon the Pound be allow'd to the
Collectors, for Gathering the Taxes, They giving Sufficient Security
to the Satisfaction of the Select Men.
Upon the Petition of Mr. "William Rand.
Voted, That the Select Men be directed and impower'd to
Release and Quit Claim to the said William Rand and his heirs,
the Fee of the Land he lately purchased of Isaac Gamberto, Upon
his paying the Sum of Six Pounds to the Town Treasurer. AVhich
Land was Subjected to pay Four Shillings p Annum to the Town,
as a Quit Rent, forever.
Voted, That the Thanks of this Town be Presented to Capt.
Thomas Durell for His Advice and Assistance aforded to the
Committee, in the affair of the Fortifications.
Mess" Samuel Jackson Sworn.
Benjamin Wolcot Sworn.
Christopher Marshal Sworn.
William Ware - Excus'd.
Joseph Jackson, and - Sworn.
John West Sworn.
Were Chosen Constable^.
The Rev. Mr. Nathanael Williams having inform'd the Select
Men, That he intends in a short time to resign his Care of the
South Grammar School.
60 City Document No. 6Q.
[70.] Voted, That the Select Meu be desired to iDquire into
the Qualifications of a suitable Person, or Persons, Who may take
the Charge of the Said School, And Report to the Town at their
)iext Meeting.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Three of the Clock,
Afternoon.
Being Assembled,
Mr. Joseph Bradford was Chosen Constable. Sworn.
Mr. John Baker was Chosen Clerk of the Market Sworn.
The Report of a Committee appointed to inquire into the Town's
Rights, Read again, Accepted &,
Voted, That the Thanks of the Town be returned to the said
Committee, for their Service in that Affair.
The Committee of seven Persons appointed the 12th instant, to
view and report their Opinion of the most convenient places in this
Town for Fortifications, Reported, as follows, Viz*
That it is very proper to have Six Guns with a Breast work
plac'd at the Southerly Part of the Old South Battery to prevent
landing Men in Boats and small Vessels.
That the Easterly End of the Long Wharf is the best place to
build a Battery on, most effectually to annoy the Enemy, and to
defend the Town, and it would be proper to have Twenty Guns
placed there. At present the Wharf being but about 112 feet in
length in the East Front, it will allow as it is now of no more than
8, or 10 Guns,
[71.] Wherefore the Committee Judge it would be best to
lengthen it both Southward and Northward to about 120 feet more,
and to add 15 or 20 feet more inward to the depth thereof, and in
the mean time to plant as many Guns as it will allow.
That it would do well to have Six Guns plac'd on Clark's
Wharf, both to meet the Ships coming up, and to rake any Ship
that may attempt to board the Battery at the End of the Long
Wharf ; but as that is not the Towns property, if Guns wer-e
assigned for it, they may be fixed, when the Town sees meet
and necessary.
That upon Viewing and Examining the North Battery and its
Circumstances, the Front being much Worm eaten and decayed,
and settled too low down. It appears necessar}^ to build without the
Front thereof a piece of Wharf of 15 feet deep, and the same to
be continued, round the Northerly End where the new addition
must be 35 feet, and all well t3^ed to strengthen the Old Wharf, All
which is Humbly Submitted by,
Thomas Fitch.
Boston Mar. 13. 1733. Edward Hutchinson.
Joseph Wadsworth.
Jacob Wendell.
James Bowdoin.
Thomas Lee.
John Henderson.
Voted, That there be an addition of Eight Persons to the Com-
Boston Town Eecoeds, 1733. 61
mittee appointed yesterday, on the Affair of Fortification. And
that they be,
Capt. Jonathan Armitage.
Dr. "William Douglas.
Col. Estis Hatch.
Mess" William Stoddard.
John Checkle}'.
John Smibert.
Samuel Welles Esq'' and
Capt. Edward Pell.
And that they Report on Fryday next, at Three of the Clock,
Afternoon.
[72.] Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned, until Frj'day
next, at Three of the Clock, Afternoon.
Fryday, Mar. 15.
The Town being Assembled according to Adjourm*
Voted, To Choose a Committee, to lay out the Money appropri-
ated for Purchasing Grain,, for Use of the Town, the Year ensu-
ing. And That,
Henry Dering Esq''
Capt. Nathanael Cunningham, and
Mr. Peter Thomas.
be the said Committee.
Voted, That the above Committee, do give Orders to Mr. Jona-
than Williams, What Quantity 6f Grain each Family shall receive
out of the Granar}' at one time, according to the Seasons of the
Year, and Circumstances of the Town.
Voted, That Mr. John Staniford be Excused from being a
Clerk of the Market.
Voted, That Mr. John Clear be a Clerk of the Market in the
room of Mr. Staniford -_._ Sworn.
Voted, That the Select Men be Surveyors of the Highways.
Voted, That the Select Men be directed and impower'd to pros-
ecute in the Law, Mr. Henry Gil)bs, in Order to recover the Right
of the Town in that piece of Land on Dock Square, formerly called
Henr}^ Webbs Wharf.
Voted, That the Select Men be Directed to renew a Petition to
the Great and General Court on behalf of the Town, for leave to
bring forward a Writ of [73.] Review against the Hon^'* Thomas
Palmer Esq"" in Order to recover possession of a Certain Tenement
on Dock Square in the present Occupation of William Pain &
others.
Voted, That John Simpson be one of the Fence- Viewers, insteed
of Joseph Kixwho was Excused, as being One of the Engine Men.
Upon the Petition of Peter Briton.
Voted, That the Said Petition l)e Dismist.
Voted, That the Assessors be directed to take the Rate Bills
from the said Peter Briton, in order to recover the Out standing
Rates still due to the Town according to the Said Bills.
A Motion being made concerning a Town Right on Windmill
point, Claimed by Mr. Joseph Marion,
62 City Document No. 66.
Voted, That Mess'^^ Nathariael Cunninghaia,
James Allen, and
Robert Rand,
be a Committee to inquire into the same, and Report to the Town
as soon as may be.
The Report of the Committee for Fortifications, is as follows.
Viz'
The Committee appointed the 12''' & 13'^ Instant, to Consider of
what is necessary to be done to put the Town into a State of De-
fence are humbly of Opinion.
That it will be proper to add to the front for the whole length
of the North Battery a piece of Wharf of Fifteen feet Breadth,
and to add Thirty five feet to the North Fastern Fnd &
That there be Six Guns prepared for Clarks Wharf,
[74:.] To be transported and used there in case of an attack
That the most i*roper place for building a Fortress of the
greatest Strength, will be upon the fiats on the Eastern Side of
Fort point Channel, where a Wharf of, Sixty feet breadth may
be built of Three hundred feet in length, with a breast work, and
from Fort Hill a Line of Communication may be made, for Supply
men and Stores, with Safety.
That all the Guns belonging to the Town be immediately
mounted and fitted for use, and as many placed on the Pjid of the
long Wharf, as it will recieve, where a brest work should be forth-
with raised. Tho. Fitch, in the
Mar. 15. 1733. name of the Commitee.
Upon the Report of the Committee for Fortification,
Voted, That the same be Accepted.
Voted, That the Committee for Fortification be desired to draw
a plan of the Fortifications propos'd, Consider of the Charge, and
Report the same on Wednesday the 20* instant, That so the Town
may the better Judge what Money will be necessary to be raised
in order to Effect the same
Voted, That there be a Committee Chosen to take Effectual Care
to prepare Carriages, and all utensils necessary for compleatly
Mounting the Cannon belonging to the Town, and
Voted, That Jacob Wendell Esq'"
James Bowdoin Esqf
Col° Estis Hatch
Mess" Isaac White, and
John Checkley, be the Committee.
[75.] Voted, To add Two Persons to the Committee for
Mounting the Cannon, Viz' Mess" Thomas Lee, and
Samuel Clark.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned, to the Town House,
until Wednesday next the 20"" instant at nine of the Clock A.M.
March, 20. The Town met according to Adjournm' and
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to the Public Meeting
House in Church Green, to meet there in half an Hour.
Voted, That the Town will make good the Damage that may be
done by reason of the Meeting, and make clean the House.
Boston Town Eecords, 1733. 63
"Where being Assembled,
The Select Men informed the Town, That they had introduced
Mr. Nathan ael Oliver, as an Usher in the South Grammar School,
in the Roon:i of Mr. Jeremiah Gridley.
Voted, Tliat it be left with the Select Men to Agree with Mess"
Jonathan Loring and Jonathan Jackson, in the best manner thej'
can. in Order to Obtain from them a Six foot High Way from
Salem Street to Love Street.
The Comjjiittee for Fortifications, Pursuant to a Vote of the
Town the loth, instant, Presented a Plan of the Fortifications pro-
pos'd, and a Computation of the Charge. Which is as follows.
Viz'
The Computation of the Cost of the
several Fortifications propos'd
for the Defence of the Town of Boston.
[76.] The Addition to the North Battery is propos'd to be 15
feet in the Front, and 35 feet at the North East, and by Compu-
tation will take 325 Tons of
Square Pine timber, at 20/ p Ton - - - .
Stone for the same will Cost, about ----- 350
Workmanship for the same ------- 200 - - -
The Breast Work for the same ------ 340
£1215.
1 .325
The Breast Work, for the Mounting; Ei^ht Guns on ]
,160
the End of Boston Pier, about - - - - - -
The Platform for the Guns, and over the Stairs )
for Men to Stand on, about - - - - - --J .140
.300
The Wharf on the Flats at the Eastward End of ")
Fort Point Channel for the Planting of 20 Guns, is |
propos'd to be 300 feet long, and 60 feet broad, and ^1600
b}' Computation will take about 1600 Tons
Square Pine Timber at 20/ p Ton - - -
Stone for the same, about -------- -1800 - -
Workmanship, about - ----- 500 - -
The Breast work for 20 Guns, and Platform for
the same, about ------------- 550 - -
4450
The Wharf propos'd from the Old South
Battery to the Fortification on the Flats,
for a Line of Communication, is propos'd
to be 20 feet wide leaving the Channel
Open, will be 378 feet long, and by
Computation will take about 700. Tons
of Timber, at 20/. p Ton - - - - ,
Stone for the vSame about - 400
Workmanship thereof - 260
The Breast Work on each Side of Said^
Line, is propos'd to be 4 & -J- feet high, '
and 12 Inches thick, and will take
90 Tons of Timber
Workmanship for the same, about - - - 100
1540
.700
.90
64 City Docu3ient No. 6Q.
The Carriages for oO Guns, with Iron work &c. ) innn
We Compute will Cost al)out £20. Each j
Carried over - - . - £8505.
[77.] Brought over - - - - £8505
The Communication over the Channel, We propose")
to be by Two Large Scows haled by hawsors, all >- - 200
which We suppose may Cost about- - - • - )
£8705
We further propose the Planting of Four Guns on the head of the
Wharf, on the West Side of the Line of Communication, to Cover
the Men, transporting over the Channel, and Scouring both sides
of the Line.
In behalf of the Committee Tho. Fitch.
A Plan of the Fortifications propos'd, which ought now to have
follow'd, is (for greater convenience of room) placed in the next
Page.
Voted, That the Town will now come into the Consideration, of
ways and means of raising Money for Effecting the i'ortifications
propos'd to be erected for the Defence of the Town.
Voted, That what Money shall be required, from time to time
to carry on, and perfect the Fortifications, shall be Raised by a
Tax on the Inhabitants.
Voted, That the Sum of Ten Thousand Pounds, to oe Raised by
a Tax as aforesaid be appropriated to the Use of Fortifying the
Town.
Voted, That the Sum of Ten Thousand Pounds, be Raised by a
Tax on Polls & Estates, for Effecting the Fortifications for the
securit3' and defence of the Town.
Voted, That Capt. Edward Pell be o«e of the Committee for
Mounting the Cannon belonging to the Town, in the Boom of Mr.
Thomas Lee, who was excused from that service. i
[78.] A Plan of Fortifications proposed.
[79.] Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Three of the
Clock p. M.
Being Assembled, ■<
The Committee appointed to think of, and assign Three suitable
Places for Erecting Markets, &c. Presented their Report, which
was Read, As follows. Viz'
The Committee appointed the 12 Mar. 1733. to think of and
assign Three Suitable places for erecting Markets having the
several places hereafter mentioned. Are of Opinion
1. That the Vacant Space call'd Eliots' Wharf, with Mr.
Jonathan Willis's Land fronting next the Street over against Mr.
Tho^ Downe's, or a peice of Land near it about 90 feet square on
the Northerly Side of the High Way leading to Mr. Daniel Loring's
Fronting on the main Street, belongingto the Rev. Mr. Jacob Eliot,
would either of them suit well for a Market lat the South
End, if could be Obtained on reasonable terms. If not. The
Space in the Common between Mr. Jacob Sheaf's house & the
cwi//t{/:^/733.
; ■fprfffu^'d'.
•^^
V4
Qj^ Ly/l^Joiiih'Ue^/urrTze/^^tAe'lonoVma^OM'nr^lcTm^
If
dlt^/t- CMmz^/^
Boston Town Records, 1733. 65
School House, has been by some recommended, and would afford
Roomly accomodations for A Market.
2. That the Open Space on the Town Dock or Wharf is a suit-
able Place for a Market in the Middle of the Town.
3. That the Open Space before and about the Old North
Meeting House is a Suitable Place for a Market for the North End
of the Town.
The Computation made by Mess" Young and Russel of the
Cost of the buildings, We approve of, but as we now think of au
Addition to the House for the South Market, and of laying
Shingle Ballast before the same as well as the other, the Cost
maj^ probably be about Sis hundred and Forty Pounds.
The Expence to be defrayed, either by Leasing the Ground to
the Undertakers to build the Houses for a Term of Years.
[SO,] They making good preparation for the Conveniencies of
the Market's, and the Town to allow them for the buildings what
they shall be valued to be worth at the Expiration of the Term ; Or
Else, to be defrayed at the Charge of the Town by a Tux.
All which is humbly Submitted by, Tho. Fitch.
Tho. Palmer.
Jacob Wendell.
Nath. Cunningham.
After considerable Debate thereon,
A Question was put, as follows, Viz'
Whether it be the mind of the Town to determine by a Written
Vote, to Accept the Report of the Committee [concerning Mar-
kets] So far as respects the Two places mentioned possitively
therein? And
It Pass'd in the Affirmative.
The Number of Voters were 719. of which 538 were Yeas, and
181 Nays.
The Report was accordingly accepted, so far as it respects the
Open Space on the Town Dock ; and the Open Space before and
about the Old North Meeting House.
Voted, To Accept the Report of the Committee for Markets,
respecting a peice of Laud, at the South End of Boston, Belonging
to Mr. Jonathan Willis : Which Land he the said Willis is to Lease
to the Town, for the Annual Rent of Ten Pounds, as p Agreement
with the said WilUs.
Which Agreement written, and Signed by said Willis in presence
of the Meeting, is as follows. Viz'
Boston March 20, 1733.
At a Town Meeting regularl}' Assembled by Adjourum' to the
Meeting House in Church Green,
[81.] The Report of the Committee relating to the Market
being read, in which they recommend a peice of Land at the South
End of the Town belonging to Mr. Jonathan Willis as proper for
a Market Place at that end of the Town ; Mr. Willis was treated
with on the affair, who Obliged himself to Execute Sufficient Leases
on demand for said Land, for the Term of Ten Years, for the Con-
sideration of Ten Pounds p Annum.
Jonathan Willis.
66 City Document No. QQ.
Voted, That the Select Men be directed & impower'd take proper
Leases of the said Land from the said Willis accordingly.
In Order to accommodate the Three Markets, It was,
Voted, That Seven Hundred Pounds be put into the Hands of
the Committee for Markets, to enable them to Effect the several
Buildings necessary, as by them Reported.
Voted, That the Thanks of the Town be presented to Jacob
Wendell Esq"" for his generous Offer of Fifty Pounds, towards
Erecting Markets.
Voted, That the Three Clerks of the Markets viz' Capt. James
Watson, Mr. Francis Willough'oy and Capt. John Steel, be added
to the Committee for Markets, to see the Buildings of the Market
Effected.
Voted, That in the Proposals for Regulating Markets in this
Town, Recorded in the Town's Book, N° 3. in the \A^^ line, after
the Word Whosoever, be added, being an InJiabitant of this Toivn.
Voted, That the motion relating to Methods for preventing
Frauds in the weight of Hay be referr'd over to the next General
Town Meeting.
[83.] Mr. Joseph Marion presented the Depositions of of
Henry Bering Esq"" Mess" Timothy Prout & John Baker, Which
were Read.
Voted, That the Committee for Fortifications, and for Preparing
Carriages for Mounting the CaunOn belonging to the Town, Wait
on His Excellency the Governour, to acquaint Him, How far the
Town have proceeded in the Affair of Fortifications, in Order to
Obtain his Approbation, and to Report at the next Meeting.
His Excellency's Approbation was accordingly Signified in
Writing, as follows, Viz'
I have considered of this Application to Me, from the Town of
Boston.
And by Vertue of the Power vested in me by the Royal Charter
(as His Majesty's Govern'' of this Province) To Erect Forts, and
to Fortify any place or place within the Said Province &c.
I do hereby signify my Approbation of, and Consent to the
building of Fortifications in the said Town of Boston in manner as
is proposed in the Votes afore written.
Boston Mar. 25, 1734. J. Belcher,
Voted, That the Committee for the Market be Impower'd to
treat with Mr. Theophilus Lillie, or any other Person, for some
other piece of Land adjoining to Mr. Willis's, for the further
Accomodation of the Market at the Sonth End of Boston, if nec-
essary.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned, until Tuesday next, at
Nine of the Clock A.M. At the Town House
Anno, 1734.
[83.] Tuesday, March, 26*
The Town Assembled according to Adjournment.
Pursuant to Mr. Jonathan Willis's Agreement with the Town
of Boston as enter'd the 20''' instant, and to a Vote of the Town
thereon the same Day, Impowering the Select Men to take prop( r
Boston Town Records, 1734. 67
Leases of Mr. Willis's Land, assigned for a Market Place — the
same was accordingly perform'd, and is as follows Viz'.
This Indenture made the Twenty Fifth day of March in the
seventh year of the Reign of Our Soveraigu Lord King George the
Second Annoq. Domini One Thousand seven hundred and Thirty
four, Between Jonathan Willis of Boston in the County of Suffolk
Trader and Mar}- his Wife of the One part, And Mess'"^ John
Jeffries Esq"" Edward Brorafield Jun'' William Downe. Jonathan
Armitage, David Colson, Joshua Winslow and Alexander Forsyth
all of Boston afores*^ and Select Men of the said Town on the other
part Wltnesseth, That the said Jonathan and Mary Willis for and
under the Rents and Covenants hereafter mentioned hath demised,
leased, set, and to farm letten, and by these presents Doth demise,
lease, set and to farm let unto the Said Select Men & their Suc-
cessors for the Use of the Said Town, All that certain Peice or
Parcel of Land situate lying and being at the South End of the
Said Town butted and bounded as follows, viz' Westerly on Orange
Street so called, there Measuring Fifty nine feet more or less ;
]S^ortherly on Beach Street so called, there Measuring Eighty four
feet more or less ; Easterly on Land in the possession of Theophilus
Lillie, there measuring One Hundred & Twenty seven feet six
inches, and Southerly on other Flats of the said Willis, there
measuring Sixty eight feet six inches, then bounded Westerly on
Land of Samuel Welles Esq"^ Where it measures Seventy One feet,
and Southerly on land of the said Welles there Measuring Fifty
eight feet six inches, or however otherwise bounded or "i-eputed to
be bounded, Together with the (84.) Profits, privileges and appur-
tenances thereto belonging To have and to hold the said demised
Laud with the Appurtenances unto the said John Jeffries Itsq''
Edward Bromfield Jun"^ William Downe, Jonathan Armitage, David
Colson, Joshua Winslow and Alexander Forsyth Select Men as
aforesaid and their Successors in the said Office and Trust for the
Use of the Said Town of Boston for and during the full end and
term of Ten j^ears. Yielding and paying Ten Pounds p Annum for
the Rent thereof, in manner as hereafter mentioned.
And the said John Jeffries, Edward Bromfield Jun'' William
Downe, Jonathan Armitage, David Colson, Joshua AVinslow and
Alexander Forsyth Qualified as aforesaid Do Covenant for them-
selves their heirs Executors Administrators and Successors in that
Trust for, and on behalf of the said Town of Boston, to and with
the said Jonathan Willis and Mai-y his Wife their heirs, Execut"
and Administrators to pay or cause to be paid unto them the said
Jonathan and Mary Willis their heirs, Executors or Administrate
respectively for the Rent of the said Demised land and premises
the sum of Ten Pounds p Annum in good Bills of Credit on the
Province of the Massachusetts Bay, or current Money of New
England on every Twenty fifth day of March year!}' and every year
from hence next Successively following until the Said Term of Ten
Years be run out and ended, and also to pay all Rates and Taxes
which shall be levied or assessed on the Said Demised premisses
during the Said term, and at the end thereof to deliver up quiet
possession thereof to the Lessors their heirs or Assigns, And the
68 City Document No. 6Q.
Said Jonathan Willis and Mary bis AVife Do hereby Covenant and
promise for themselves their heirs, Executors and Administrators
to and with the said Select men and their Successors, That if they
the Said Select Men their Successors or assigns shall pay the
said Yearly Rent as the same shall become due, [85.] The said
Town shall have, hold and enjoy the said demised Land and
Premisses until the said time be expired But if default be made
in any of the said payments Thirty days after the same shall be-
come due, Then it shall and may be lawful for the said Lessors
their heirs &c. to reenter into the said Land and the Lessees to"
Eject from their possession thereof, any thing before written to
the Contrary notwithstanding. '
And fiirther the said Parties to these presents Do Agree that
Mr. Richard Crowninshield shall improve part of the said demised
premisses viz' Eighteen foot of Land fronting the aforesaid street,
and measuring in depth Thii'ty six foot leased to him by the said
Willis for Five years from the 28th June, 1732. until the said
Crowninshifcld's lease be ended unless the Said Town hire it of him.
In Witness whereof the said Parties to these presents have here-
unto Interchangeably put their hands and Seals the day and year
first herein before written.
Signed Sealed & Deliver'd Jonathan Willis. (Seal.)
in presence of us Mary Willis. (Seal.)
William Salter.
-^NEAS Salter
Whereas I have this Day Leas'd out a peice of Land at the
South End of the Town of Boston, to the Select Men, for the use
of the said Town, in which is included a peice of Land, Let by me
to Richard Crowninshield the 2<S"' June, 1732 for Five Years, I
hereby Oblige myself, on demand to make over the said Lease
with all the profits & privileges thereto belonging, to the said Select
Men for the use of the Town aforesaid.
Boston March, 25. 1734.
Jonathan Willis.
[86.] We W^hose Names are Underwritten Do hereby Oblige
Our Selves, to put the whole Ground which the Town have Hired
of Mr. Jonathan AVillis into a proper posture to Erect Buildings
thereon for the Accomodation of a Market, Except the Flats, that
lye to the Southward of a Line drawn directly a Cross from Sam-
uel Welles Esq'''s Land to the Wharf Call'd Mr. Lillie's from a
Point Thirty four feet Southward of Said VVelles's North East
Corner, And to keep the same in good Repair, for the Space of
Ten years next coming, to the Approbation of the Select Men for
the time being, at our own costs and charge. As Witness our
Hands this Twenty Sixth Day of March, 1734.
Samuel Welles.
Tho^ Downe,
Henry Gibbon.
John Eliot.
Boston Town Records, 1734. 69
Voted, That the Affair now in debate respecting the Mar-
ket Place at the South End, shall be determined by a Hand-
vote.
Voted, That the Town do Acquiesce, and are Satisfied in the
Place, assigned for a Market at the South End, With the Addition
of Mr. Welles's Land, and the Obligation which the said Samuel
Welles Esq"" Mess" Thomas Downe, Henry Gibbon and John Eliot
Enter'd into to put the said Land into a proper posture to Erect
Buildings thereon for Accomodation of a Market, and to keep the
same in good Repair for the Space of Ten years yet to come at
their own Cost and Charge to the Approbation of the Select Men
for the time being.
Voted, That the Thanks of the Town be presented [87.] To
Samuel Welles Esq'' Mess" Thomas Downe, Henry Gibbon and
John Eliot, for their free, and voluntary offer, to put the Ground
now hired of Mr. Jou^ Willis, into a proper posture, to Erect
Buildings thereon, for the Accommodation of a Market ; and of
keeping the same in good Repair, for the space of Ten years next
coming — And becoming Obliged to perform the same, as enter'd
this day.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Four of the Clock,
p.m.
Being accordingly Assembled.
The Scheme of a Market being prepared, was then Read as
follows. Viz'
At a Meeting of the Freeholders, & other Inhabitants of
the Town of Boston, duly Qualified, being regularly Assem-
bled in a Publick Town Meeting, by adjournment, at the
Town-House, Tuesda.y March 26, 1734.
Whereas the Inhabitants of this Town labour under many hard-
ships and difficulties for want of an Open Public Market under
good regulation, where everj' One may resort at stated convenient
Places within the Town to buy and sell several Sorts of Provi-
sions.
For Remedy thereof.
It is Voted and Ordered.
That Three Places be, and hereby are, at present Assigned for
the aforesaid Market ; And that they ma}- be made fit and commo-
dious for the reception of such, as from time to time may bring
their commodities there for Sale [88.] That the sum of Seven
Hundred Pounds be allow'd and pay'd out of the Town Treasury
to Thomas Fitch, Edward Hutchinson, Thomas Palmer, Jacob
Wendell Esq" Mess" Nathanael Cunningham, James Watson,
Francis Willoughhy and John Steel to enable them to effect the
buildings and other necessaries at the three several places assigned
for that use. And that a Peice of Land, bcninded Easterl}' on
Lrind in possession of Theophilus Liliie, there measuring One
Hundred twenty seven feet ; Southerly on the flats of Jon Willis,
there measuring Sixty eight feet, six inches ; Then bounded West-
erly on Land of Samuel Welles P^sq"" there measuring Seventy One
feet; And Southerly on Land of Said Welles, there measuring
Fift}' eight feet, six inches ; Fronting on the main Street, leading
70 City Document No. 66.
to Roxbury, known by the Name of Orange Street, over against
the House and Land of Thomas Dowue, there measuring Seventy
feet, is pitch'd upon for One of the Places. That the Town's
Ground or open space on the Town Dock or Wharf, commonly
caird Dock square, be another place, And that the open space
before and about the Old North Meeting House is fix'd upon and
determined for the Third place. Where the Market is to be kept
and carried on.
That Capt. James Watson be, and hereby is constituted and
appointed. One of the Clerks of the Market to Attend at the
vacant place on the Town Dock ; Mr. Francis VVilloughJ.3,y^uother
of the Clerks of the Market ; to be and attend at Mr. AVillis's
Land ; And Capt John Steel is chosen and appointed the other
Clerk~li)f the Market, at the open space before and about the Old
North Meeting House, Who are^to be and remain in their Office as
Clerks of the Market until the annual Meeting of the Freeholders
and Inhabitants in March next, and until others are chosen and
Appointed in their room and to have and receive such Salary for
their Service as shall be then Voted them by the Town ; [89.]
Who are to give their Constant Attendance at the Opening of the
Market, and there abide during the continuation thereof, and
take effectual care that the Several Rules, Orders and Directions
for the Regulating and more orderly carrying on the Market be
duly observed and kept.
Ordered,
That no Person, being an Inhabitant of this Town, shall sell, or
expose to sale, or shall buy any Flesh, Poultr}^, Eggs, Butter,
Meal, Cheese, Fruit, Herbs, Roots, or other provisions in any
other place or places within the said Town, Precinct or Liberty
thereof than the Public places aforesaid. Except such provisions
as are hereafter excepted. On penalty of being fined in proportion
to the Offence, not Exceeding Twenty Shillings, as shall be
Judged by the Justice before whom the cause shall come. Upon the
Information of the Clerk of the Market, or any other person, due
proof thereof being made.
That Every Day in the Week, except the Lord's Day, or other
Days set apart by this Government for Religious Service, be a
Market Day, and that a Bell be daily rung at the Opening of the
Market, wliich shall be at the rising of the Sun thro' the whole
Year, And if any person or persons. Inhabitants as aforesaid,
shall sell, or put to open sale, in the said several Markets, or
either of them, any manner of Provisions or other Commodities or
shall buy an}" of them before the ringing of the Market Bell, Such
Offender or Offenders being thereof convict shall forfeit and pay a
Fine of Twenty Shillings for every such Offence. And if au}^
such person or persons shall presume to cheapen or buy any Flesh,
Fowle, Butter, Eggs, Meal, Herbs, Fruit, Roots, or other pro-
visions or Victuals, or make any previous contract with any Seller,
or buy the same in any other place than in one of the said Markets
shall forfeit and pay, for each and every such Offence, being
thereof convict, the sum of Twenty Shillings.
[90.] That all sorts of Fish brought by Water , may be sold
Boston Town Kecoeds, 1734. 71
at the "Wharves and places usually improved for that purpose ;
But all Fish caught in Rivers, Ponds, and Brooks, shall be
brought into and sold in the Market ; Frost-fish and Smelts,
excepted.
That if any such person or persons as aforesaid shall put to
sale, utter or sell any such provisions in any private House, Ware-
house, Inn, Alehouse, Tavern, Alley, Lane, Street, or other place
or places whatsoever, within the Said Town, Precinct, or Liberty
thereof, than in the Market places. Or, some One of them, Every
person so carrying, or offering to put to sale, or to buy any pro-
visions Shall forfeit Twenty Shillings for every such Offence :
Provided always. That no clause or expression herein contained,
shall extend, intend, or be judged to restrain or abridge nny
Butchers from Selling Meat as heretofore, nor such Who import
by Sea any Grain, Meat or Fish Salted in Barrels from Selling
the same on board their Vessels on in their dwelling Houses, or
storehouses, Nor Such as bring Grain by land, or Apples, Onions,
or Turnips by the bushel or greater quantities, or Milk, or Cider
as hath heretofore been the custom. And it shall and may be lawful
for the Inhabitants of this Town and others to the above men-
tioned provisions in the usual method, as formerly : But all other
provisions brought in by Land or AVater shall be sold in the
Market
That if any Retailer, Huckster or other person to sell again,
shall buy any Flesh, Fish, Fowle, Eggs, Butter, Cheese, or any
other sort of provisions saleable in the Market, in Order to Retail
the same, until after Twelve of the Clock at noon, he shall forfeit
the Sum of Twent}' Shillings for each offence.
That if any person or persons shall presume to [91.] Expose
to sale in the said Markets, or either of them, any unwholesome
or stale victnals, blown meat, leprous or measly swine, he she or
they so offending shall forfeit and pay in proportion to the Offence,
not exceeding Twenty Shillings.
That no Cart or Team be allow'd to stand near the Entrance of
the Market place or places, but shall immediately depart upon
Order of the Clerk of the Market to the Owner or driver so
to do, under the penalty of Five Shillings for refusal or neglect
thereof.
That proper persons be appointed to keep clean the IMarket and
to be under the direction of the Clerk of the Market in their so
doing, and shall be paid out of the Town Treasury by Order of
the Select Men.
That the Clerks of the Market are hereb3' required and directed
to prosecute any person or persons trespassing against any of the
Rules or Orders before mentioned ; And that the said Clerks of
the Market ; or any other persons who shall sue for and recover
any Fines, Forfeitures, Sum or Sums of Mone3\ arising from
the breach of any of these orders, shnll be intitled to receive
the value of One half of the Sum so recovered, out of the Town
Treasury.
Provided always. Nothing herein contained be intended, meant
or construed to abridge the Inhabitants of the District of Rumn<.y
72 City Document No. 66.
Marsh from buying or selling any provisions as usual in said
District.
Provided always, and it is the true intent and meaning of the
above written. That the Market shall be opened, or commence on
Monday the Twentieth day of May, next ensuing; Public Notice
"thereof being given. Ten days before the said time.
Voted, That the Scheme of a Market, as it has been now Read,
Be Established.
[92.] Voted, That the Sclieme of a Market as now Read, be
prepared and presented to the Court of General Sessions of the
Peace for the County of Suffolk, for their approbation.
Voted, That the Select Men be desired to Attend accordingly,
on the Court of General Sessions, in Order to Obtain their appro-
bation of the same.
Samuel Welles Esq'' having Leased a certain Peice or parcel oi
Land, To the Select Men of Boston, for the better Accommo
dating a Public Market place for the Use and benefit of the
Inhabitants of said Town — Thej^ have Order'd the same to be
here Recorded.
This Indenture made the Twenty Sixth Day of March Anno
Domini One Thousand Seven hundred and Thirty four. And in the
seventh Year of the Reign of Our Soveraign Lord George the
Second by the Grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland
King Defender of the Faith, &c. Between Samuel Welles of Boston
in the County of Suffolk and Province of the Massachusetts Bay
in New England Esq"" On the One part. And John Jeffries &
Joshua Winslow Esq" WilUam Downe Gent. I'dward Bromfield
Jun"" Jonathan Armitage and Alexander Forsyth Merchants &
David Collson Leather dresser All of Boston aforesaid and Select
Men of the said Town of the Other part. Witnesseth That the said
Samuel Welles for the Consideration hereafter mentioned Hath
Demised Granted Set and to Farm Letten, And by these presents
Doth Demise Grant Set and to Farm Let unto the said John
Jeffries Joshua Winslow William Downe Edwai'd Bromfield Jona-
than Armitage Alexander Fors^-th & David Collson Select Men as
Aforesaid for the Use hereafter mentioned. All that his the said
Samuel Welles's certain Peice or Parcel of Land Situate lying and
being at the Southerly part of Boston af ores'* being Butted and
Bounded as followeth Viz* Westerly at the Front on Orange
Street there measuring Twelve Feet Northerly on the Land of
Jonathan Willis there measuring [93.] Fifty nine feet, Easterly on
the said Willis's Land there measuring Twelve feet, and Southerly
on the S'* Welles's Land there measuring Fifty nine feet, Or
however Otherwise butted and bounded, or reputed to be
butted and bounded, with the Privileges and Appurtenan-
ces thereto belonging (Saving always and Reserving unto the
said Samuel Welles his Heirs and Assigns the libert}' of putting
down Posts in the Ground on the Northerly part of his House
next adjoyning to the Demised Land about one foot distance there
from to save Carts from hurting the same) To Have and to Hold
the said Demised and Letten piece or parcel of Land and Premisses
with the Appurtenances (Saving & Reserving as aforesaid) Unto
BosTox Town Records, 1734. 73
the said John Jeffries Joshua "Wiuslow William Downe Edward
Broinfield Jonathan Armitage Alexander Forsyth and David
Collscn Select Men as aforesaid & iheir Successors in the said
Office from the Day of the Date hereof for and during the space
and Term of Ten Years now next Ensuing & fully to be complcat
and Ended. Upon this Condition Nevertheless, That the said
Demised peice of Land be Improved & Employed during the
whole Term of this Lease for tie better Accomodating a Public
Market Place for the Use and benefit of the Inhabitants of the
said Town of Boston and to and for no Other Use intent or purpose
Whatsoever ; But if the said Peice of Land shall not be Improved
for the Use aforesaid, then the same to Revert to the Lessor, and
in that Case it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Samuel
Welles his Heirs Exccut" Administ" or Assigns into the said
Demised Premisses with the Appurtenances to Ke Pinter and the
same to have again Repossess and Enjoy as in his and their first
and former Estate, this Indenture or any thing therein contained to
the contrary thereof in any wise notwithstanding. Yeilding, Rendering
and Paying therefore yearly and every j^ear unto the said Samuel
Welles his Heirs Execut" AdminisL" or Assigns upon every
Twenty sixth day of March during the Term aforesaid One Pepper
Corn (if the same be demanded) in full for the Rent of the
Premisses. And the said John Jeffries Joshua Winslow William
Downe Edward Bromfield Johnathan Armitage Alexander Forsyt
and David CoUson Select-Men as aforesaid for themselves and
their Successors in the said Office Do Covenant and Agree to ami
with the said Samuel Welles his Heirs Execut" Administ" and
Assigns Well and truly to pay the Rent aforesaid as the same
shall become due if it be demanded ; And in case the said Demised
Land shall not be [94.] Improved for the Use aforesaid that
then it shall be Lawful for the Lessor to Enter into have and
possess the same in Manner as aforesaid any thing before written
to the contrary Notwithstanding. And further. That at the Expira-
tion or other determination of this present Lease they the said
Lessees or their Successors in the said Office shall and will peaceably
and qiiietly Surrender and deliver up the Possession of the
said demised peice of Land and Premisses with the Appurte-
nances unto the said Samuel Welles his Heirs Executors, Ad-
ministrators, or Assigns without Waste Stroy or Demolishment
(Extraordinary Casualties Excepted) And the said Samuel
Welles for himself his Heirs Execut" and Administrators Doth
Covenant and Agree to and with the said John Jeffries
Joshua Winslow William Downe Edward Bromfield Jonathan
Armitage Alexander Forsyth and David Collson Select Men as
aforesaid and their Successors in the Said Cffice for and in behalf
of the said Town of Boston That ihey paying and performing all
and whatsoever is before mentioned on their part to be paid and
performed, Shall and may Lawfully' Peaceably and Quietly have
hold and enjoy the said Demised Premisses with the Appurtenances
during the Term of this Lease without the lawful J.et Suit or
hindrance of him the said Samuel Welles or any Person or
Persons claiming or to claim by from or under him.
74 City Document No. QQ.
In Witness whereof the aforesaid Partys have hereunto Inter-
changeably Set their Hands and Seals the Day and year aforc-
writieu.
Samuel Welles and a Seal.
Signed Sealed,
and Delivered in
presence of —
Richard Hubbard,
John Savel.
[95.] Voted, To Choose a Committee, separate from the
Select Men, to inquire into the State of the End of the Long
Wharf, in Order to Plant Guns thereon.
Voted, That the Committee aforesaid, consist of Five Persons.
Voted, That Mess" Briant Parott,
Thomas Lee,
John Walker,
Isaac White, and
Jeffery Bedgood.
be the Committee.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned until Frj-day next a
Nine of the Clock, A. M.
Fryday, March, 29"^
The Town being Assembled.
The Committee appointed the 26th. Instant to inquire into the
State of the End of the Long Wharf, presented a Report, which
was Read, as follows, viz '.
Pursuant to a Vote of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of
the Town of Boston duly qualified and regularly- Assembled by
Adjournment at the Town House in Boston, upon Tuesday Mar.
26, 1734. Appointing us a Committee, separate from the Select
Men, to inquire into the State of the Long Wharf, in Order to
plant Guns thereon.
We have this day been upon, viewed & survey'd the End of the
Long Wharf, and find the same to be much decay'd and worm
eaten, and by the wash of the Sea the small wood laid in the
Wharf is carried away leaving great Cavities [96.] Therein, and
the Foundation greatly weakned. Which in our opinion was not
at first faithfully laid, and performed.
And in our opinion it is not in a condition of repair for the
planting a Line of Guns thereon, nor can it in the present' state
thereof be useful or serviceable to the Town for the same. And
further, We find the end of the said Long Wharf incumbred with
a Crane House thereon, which ought to be free, for the Service of
the Town conformable to the Original Contract, between the Pro-
prietors of the Long Wharf and the Town of Boston.
Dated at Boston the 28th. day of Mar. Anno Dom. 1734. And
humbly Submitted, bj-,
Briant Parrott,
Thomas Lee,
John Walker, }■ Committee.
Isaac AVhite,
Jeff. Bedgood,
BosTOx Town Eecords, 1734. 75
Voted, That the said Report be Accepted.
Upon which The Hon*"^" Thomas Fitch Esq'" on Account of Him-
self and Associates, Proprietors of the Long AVharf , John Colman
Esq Jacob Wendell Esq & James Bowdoin Esq"" in behalf of
themselves, did promise the Town, That the end of the Long
Wharf should speedily' be put into a proper posture and condition
to plant Guns upon, according to their Original Contract.
Voted, That the additional Row of Trees which is to be planted
in the Common, be set to the Eastward of those already planted
tbei-e.
Voted, That the several Writing Masters in the Town, do pre-
sent, at the next General Town Meeting, [97.] Some of their
own performances in Writing, for the Town's inspection.
Upon a Motion for Reconsidering a Vote of the Town the 15th.
Instant, Fixing the Fortification on the East Side of Fort-point
Channel.
A Question was put. Viz'.
Whether the Town will Reconsider their Vote for fixing the
Fortification on the East side of Fort-point Channel. It pass'd
in the negative.
Voted, To proceed to the Choice of Seven Persons, as a Com-
mittee to Effect the Fortifications propos'd to be Erected in this
Town.
Voted, To defer the Choice of the said Committee 'till the
Afternoon.
Voted, That Mr. William Rand be a Collector of the Taxes for
the Year ensuing, in the room of Mr. Jacob Sheafe, Who declined
that service.
Upon a Motion of Mr. Jacob Holyoke, & for Reasons given.
Voted, That Mr. Jacob Holyoke be Excused from Serving as
an Assessor for this year.
Voted, That the Plan of the Circular Line be removed from the
Town Treasurer's into the Town Clerk's Office.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned until Three of the
Clock, p. m.
And being again Assembled.
The Following Persons were Chosen a Com**^ to Effect the For-
tifications, according to a Vote [98.] Pass'd in the Morning.
viz'.
The Hon''^« Elisha Cooke Esq'.
Edward Hutchinson Esq'.
Edward Winslow Esq'.
Capt. JefTery Bedgood.
Mess". John Checkley.
Isaac White, and,
Ebenezer Thornton.
Voted, That the Town will Meet on Wednesday next, at nine
of the Clock, A. M. in Order to Receive the Report of the Com-
mittee now chosen, respecting the Materials, and Method of Build-
ing the Fortifications.
Voted, That the following Petition be signed by the Select Men,
76 City Document No. &6.
and Presented to the Great and General Court at their next Ses-
sion, viz'.
To His Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esq'.
Captain Genernl and Governour in Chief,
the Hon'''® The Council, & House of Rep-
resentatives, in General Court Assem-
bled, Apr. 10. 1734.
The Representation and Petition of the Town of Boston.
Humbly Sheweth.
That the Said Town is in a very defenceless condition, That
the prospect of War makes it exceeding necessary. Some consid-
erable Works should be raised for its Security ; [99.] That this
is very much for the Safety and Welfare of the Province in gen-
eral, as this Town is the Key of it, and will be most likely to be
expos'd to danger in case any design be formed against the Coun-
try. And as the Trade and Business of this Town Labours under
great Difficulties, and their Circumstances are very declining by
reason whereof so great a Charge would be almost insupportable.
It would be a high Oliligation upon them, if this Great and Gen-
eral Court in their Wisdom and Goodness would make a Grant of a
Sura of Money for that purpose, but if this should not be thought
convenient — It is most Humbly Requested, That the Sum of Ten
Thousand Pounds be lent b}" the Government, to be paid, in some
future years, and in such Annual proportion, bj' the Town of Bos-
ton, as by the Wisdom of the Court, shall be Juclg'd most proper.
Said Town having made a Computation and found that this Sum
is necessary to put it into a defensible State.
Voted, That Mr. William Salter be One of the Assessors for the
year ensuing, in the room of Mr. Jacob Holyoke, who was excused
from that service.
Voted, That the Gentlemen who shall be Chosen to Visit the
Schools from time to time, do Report to the Town, the Circum-
stances in which they shall find the said Schools.
Voted, That Mr. William Salter be excused from Serving the
Town as an Assessor this year, for Reasons by him given.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned until Wednesday next,
at Nine of the Clock, A. M.
[too.] Wednesday, April, 3(5.
The Town being Assembled, according to Adjournm'.
The Committee for Effecting the Fortifications presented their
Report respecting the Materials, and Method of Building, Which
was Read. Viz'.
Pursuant to the Vote and Desire of the Town, of the 29th of
March last. The Committee taking with them Several of the Masons
& Carpenters of the Town, Who, after Viewing the place assigned
for Erecting the North Battery, have Computed the Cost and
Charge of Building the Foundation Five feet in heighth, with
Stone and Wood.
If with Stone, The Front Wall to be Eight feet thick, with an
inner Wall of Three feet, A Space of Four feet between the Walls,
Boston Towk Eecords, 1734. 77
Which Work -will demaQcI the Sum of One Thousand and Eighteen
pounds.
If done with Timber, defended against the Worms, Sis Hundred,
Forty Seven pounds.
The Difference between Wood and Stone is Three Hundred,
Seventy One pounds.
Upon Searcliing the Bottom or Flats where the South Battery is
to be Built, the Ground is so loose that a Pole was run down in
several places, Ten feet at least. But that about Two Hundred
feefEasterly from the South Batter^', or Sconce, is a good Founda-
tion, and not nearer, on any of the Flats thereabouts, Either on
the East or West Side of Fort-point Channel for Stone.
By Order of the Committee,
Boston Apr. 3. 1734. Elisha Cooke.
[lOlo] After Debate thereon,
A Question was put, as follows, Viz'.
Whether the Town will Reconsider the Vote, passed the 15th
March last. Affixing the Fortification on the East Side of Fort-
point Channel ?
It pass'd in the Affirmative.
After which the following Question was put. Viz'.
Whether You will have an Alteration of the Place fixed upon,
by the Vote of the loth, of March last, for the South Battery?
It pass'd in the Affirmative.
Voted, That the Town will now come to a determination of a
Place, Whereon to Erect a Fortification at the South part of the'
Town.
Immediately after which. Upon a Motion made, and Seconded.
by many.
The following Vote was put. Viz'.
Whether the Town would adjourn this Meeting to Frydny next,.
in Order then to come to a Determination of a Place for Erecting-
a Fortification at the South End of the Town?
A Handy Vote being tried Twice, and remaining Doubtful, it was
afterwards decided by Poll.
The Number of Voters, were, 175. Of whom 89 were for a
present or immediate Determination, and 86 were for defering it
until Fryday next.
[103.] Upon which. The Following Question was put, viz'.
Whether the Place for Erecting the South Batterj' shall be, TwO'
Hundred feet East from the Sconce long since built there, Or the
Soutli Battery so called? And —
It pass'd in the Affirmative.
Voted, That the Market shall be Opened, Or, Commence, on
Monday, the Twentieth day of May, next ensuing : Public Notice
thereof being given Ten days before the said Time
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Four of the
Clock p. m.
Being again Assembled,
Voted, To R(;consider the Vote for fixing the additional Row of
Trees (to be planted in the Common) on the East side of those
already planted.
78 City Document No. <)6.
And Upon Consideration had
Voted, That the additional Row of Trees to be planted in
the Common, shall be, On the West side of those already
planted there, from the Burying place to Mr. Sheafe's And
at such distance from the other Row, as the Select Men shall
think fit.
Voted, That the Foundation of the North & South Fortificatious
shall be laid with Stone — as projected in the Report of the Com-
mittee, made this Day.
[103.] Voted, That the Heighth of the Stone Work to be laid
for a Foundation of the Fortifications, be left to the discretion of
the Committee for Building them.
Voted, To Reconsider the Vote of a Petition to the General
Court, as Enter'd on Fryday the 29th. of March last.
It being Considered accordingly.
Voted, That Application be made to the Great and General
Court, at their next Sessions, for a Grant of Ten Thousand
Pounds, to Enable the Town to Effect the Fortifications propos'd
to be Erected for their Defence, to be repaid by the said Town in
such Annual proportions as the Court shall order and direct.
Voted, To leave the Draught of an Address to the General
Court, with the Hon''''' Elisha Cooke Esq"" Moderaf" and the Select
Men.
Voted, That the Select Men be Desired & Impower'd to Borrow
Mone}-, for a present Supply, for the Speedy carrying on the said
Work of Fortifications, upon the Credit of this Town's Grant of
Ten Thousand Pounds for that service, the 20th, of March last.
Upon a Motion, and at the Desire of the Select Men.
Voted, To Reconsider the foregoing Vote.
Which being accordingly done.
Voted That the Hon*"'" Joseph Wadsworth Esq"* the Town Treas-
urer be Desired and Impower'd to Borrow Money (upon the Credit
of this Town's Grant of Ten Thousand Pounds, on the 20th. of
March last, appropriated to the use of Fortifying the Town) for a
present Supply, and the [104,] Speedy carrying on the Said
Work.
Voted, That the Sum of One Hundred and Twenty five Pounds
be AlloAv'd and paid out of the Town Treasury to the Hon''''' Joseph
Wadsworth Esq'", for His Service in that Office the Year past.
Voted, That the Select Men be desired to Visit the several
Public Schools in this Town, taking with them Such Gentlemen
as They shall think proper.
Mess™ Daniel Ballard Jun''
Andrew Sigourney, and
John Potwine,
Were Chosen Clerks of the Market, in the Room of Mess" True,
Boucher and Hill.
The Hon John Osborne EsqT
Richard Bill Esq'
William Tyler Esq'
Hugh Hall Esq' and
Mr. Nathan ael Cunningham.
Boston Town Recoeds, 1734. 79
Were Chosen and Appointed to Audit the Town Treasurer's
Accounts.
Mr. Thomas Gushing Jun'' was Chosen One of the Auditors of
the Town Treasurer's Accounts, in the room of William Tyler Esq''
Who was excused from that Service for Reasons by Him given.
Voted, That the Thanks of the Town be Presented to the Hon-
ourable Elisha Cooke Esq'' for the great Pains He has taken, as
Moderator of this Meeting.
Then the Meeting was dismist.
[105.] The Copy of an Address presented by the Select-Men,
To the Great and General Court, agreeable to a Vote of the Town,
the Third of April, 1734. Viz'
To His Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esq'" Captain General
and Goveruour in Chief, The Hon'''" the Council, and House
of Representatives, in General Court Assembled, April, 10.
1734.
The Representation and Petition of the Town of Boston.
Humbly Sheweth
That the prospect of War in Europe makes it exceeding
necessary that this Town be put into a proper posture of Defence
and Offence, And inasmuch as the Fortifying the same will greatly
tend to the Safety, Peace & Welfare of the whole Province, And
should War break out, and any design be formed against this
Country, in great probability, Boston will be first attacked, &
obliged to sustain the strongest Efforts of an Enemy.
It is therefore most Humbly Requested, That Your Excellency,
and Honours, would Grant a Sum of Money for that purpose.
But if at this present Juncture, the situation of the Public
Affairs cousider'd, the Great and General Court should not think
it adviseable so to Order ;
It is then Earnestly Desired, That the Court would be pleas'd to
Grant the Sum of Ten Thousand Pounds, in public Bills of Credit,
out of the Province Treasury, to be paid into the Treasury of the
Town of Boston, to Enable them to Effect such necessary Works,
And Subject the Town by an Act or Law to Repay said Sum into
the Public Treasury, in some future Years, in such Annual Pro-
portion as by the Wisdom of the Court shall [106.] Be Judged
reasonable ; For that the Town of Boston, could they esteem it
but Just and Reasonable to engage in this Business at their own
Cost and Charge, Yet they are in no measure capable, to Raise so
great a sum o-f Money, and subject themselves to the payment
thereof in so short a time, as the carrying an end such an Affair
will require.
B}' Order of the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston ^^ regularly
Assembled in a Public Town Meeting, April, 3d. 1734.
John Jeffries,
Edward Bromfield,
William Downe,
Jonathan Armitage, )■ Select-Men.
David Collson,
Joshua Winslow,
Alexander forsytii,
80 City Document No. QQ.
[107.] At a MeetinjT of the Freeholders, and other luhabi-
tauts of the Town of Boston dnly Qualified, and Warned accord-
ing to Law, being regularly Assembled in a Public Town Meeting,
at the Town House, on Wednesday April, 24th. 1734.
Voted, That the Honourable Thomas Fitch Esq'' be the Moderator
of the present Meeting.
Peter Briton's Petition. Read.
The Select Men informing the Town that They had presented
to the Court of General Sessions of the Peace, a Scheme for set-
ting up, and regulating Public Markets, according to a Vote of the
last Meeting ; and that they had attended the Court, and Observed
that Exceptions were taken to some parts of the said Scheme, by
some of the Members of said Court, tho' nothing had been passed
by the Court thereon :
Wherefore the Town Euter'd into the further Consideration of
the Affair of a Market.
And after some Debate,
A Scheme for setting up, and Regulating of Markets in this
Town, was prepar'd, and Read.
And is as follows, Viz'
Whereas, The Inhabitants of this Town Labour under many
hardships and difficulties for want of an Open public Market un-
der good regulation. Where [108.] Every One may resort at
Stated Convenient places within the Town to buy and sell several
sorts of Provisions.
For Remedy thereof,
It is Voted, and Ordered.
That Three places be, and hereby are at present assigned for
the aforesaid Market, and that they may be made fit and commo-
dious for the reception of Such as from time to time may bring
their commodities there for Sale, That the Sum of Seven Hundred
Pounds be allow'd & paid out of the Town Treasury to Thomas
Fitch, Edward Hutchinson, Thomas Palmer, Jacob Wendell "Esq"
Mess" Nathanael Cunningham, James Watson, Francis Wil-
loughby and John Steel, to enable them to Effect the Buildings,
and other necessarys at the Three several places assigned for that
use. And that a peice of Land bounded Easterly on Land in pos-
session of Theophilus Lillie, there measuring One Hundred Twenty
seven feet ; Southerly on the Plate, of Jonathan Willis, there
measuring Sixty eight feet. Six inches ; then bounded Westerly
on Land of Samuel Welles Esq'" there measuring Seventy One
feet ; And Southerly on Land of Said Welles, there Measuring
Fifty eight feet, six inches ; Fronting on the Main Street leading
to Roxbury known by the name of Orange Street, over against
the House and Land of Thomas Downe there measuring seventy
feet; Is pitch'd upon for One of the places — That the Town's
Ground or open space on the Town Dock or Wharf commonly
called Dock Square, be another place — And that the Open Space
before and about the Old North Meeting House is fixed upon and
determined for the Third place, Where the Market is to be kept
and carried on.
[109.] That Capt James Watson be, and hereby is Consti-
Boston Tovw Eecords, 1734. 81
tuted and Appointed One of the Clerks of the Market, to attend
at the vacant place on the Town Dock, Mr. Francia Willoughby
another of the Clerks of the Market, to be and attend at Mr.
Willis's Land ; and Capt. John Steel is Chosen and Appointed
the other Clerk of the Market, at the open space before and about
the Old Xorth Meeting House ; Who are to be and remain in their
Ofl3ce as Clerks of the Market, until the Annual Meeting of the
P'reeholders, and Inhabitants in March next, and until Others are
Chosen, and Appointed in their Room, and to have and receive
Such Salary for their Service as shall be then Voted them by the
Town ; Who are to give their constant attendance, at the Opening
of the Market, And there abide during the Continuation thereof,
And take effectual Care, that the several Rules, Orders, and
Directions for the regulating and more orderly carrying on the
Market, be duly observed and kept.
Ordered.
That Every Day in the Week Except the Lord's Day, or other
Days set apart by this Government for Religious Service, be a
Market Day, and that a Bell be daily rung at the Opening of the
Market, which shall be at at the rising of the Sun, thro' the whole
year, from which hour 'till the hour one post meridiem shall forever
here after be deemed and held Market Hours. And if any Person
or Persons, being Inhabitants of this Town, Shall, from and after
the time of the first Opening the Market, Sell, or put to Open
Sale, in the said several Markets, or Either of them, au}^ manner
of provisions or other eatable Commodities, Or, shall buy any of
them before the Ringing of the Market-bell, Such Offender or
Offenders being thereof convict, shall forfeit and paj' a Fine of
Ten Shilliligs. [llOo] For every such Offence ; And if any such
Person or Persons shall presume to cheapen, or buy any Flesh,
Fowles, Butter, Eggs, or other provisions (excepting such Provi-
sion and particulars as hereafter are declared to be always ex-
cepted) Or, make any previous Contract touching the same with
any Seller, Or buy the same in any other place than in One of
the Markets, shall forfeit and pay for every such Offence, being
thereof duly convicted, the sum of Ten Shillings.
Provided always, any thing to the Contrary notwithstanding.
That Every Butcher being an Inhabitant of Boston, may lawfully
sell his meat as practised heretofore. And all Grain, Flower, But-
ter in Firkins, Pork, Beef, Cheese, Meat or Fish salted in Barrels
imported by Sea into this Town, may be sold and exposed for Sale
as heretofore usually practised, any thing before to the contrary
notwithstanding.
That all sorts of Fish brought by Water, may be sold at the
Wharves, and places usually improved for that purpose as here-
tofore, any By-Law to the Contrary notwithstanding. But all Fish
caught in Rivers, Ponds and Brooks, shall be brought into, and sold
in one or more of the said Markets, Frost-fish and Smelts excepted.
Provided also. That Grain, Meal, Apples, Onions, Turnips, and
all sorts of Roots, Fruit and Herbs, brought into the Town by
Land carriage, may be sold and exposed to Sale as formerly prac-
tised, any thing herein to the contrary notwithstanding.
82 City Document No. 6Q.
Provided likewise, That Bread, Milk, Cider, Swioe brought into
the Towu alive, and Wild Pigeons. [111.] May be sold and
exposed to Sale, as heretofore, any thing to the contrary notwith-
standing.
It is further Ordered, That if, any Retailer, Hucster or other
Person, being an Inhabitant of said Town, shall by any Flesh,
Fish, Fowles, Eggs, Butter, Cheese, or any other sort of Provisions
Saleable in the Market, And by these Orders ought there to be
brought in order to Retail the same, until after One of the Clock as
aforesaid. Such Person or Persons so doing, shall forfeit and pay
the sum of Twenty Shillings, for every such Offence.
Ordered, That the several Clerks of the Market for the time
being, shall take especial care, that the Laws of the Province, and
the Orders of this Town legally confirm'd respecting any unwhol-
some or blown Victuals, offered to Sale, be duly put in Execution.
That No Cart or Team belonging to any Inhabitant of the Towu
of Boston, be allowed to stand near the Entrance of the Market-
' place or places, but shall immediately depart upon Order of the
Clerk of the Market to the Owner, or Driver so to do, under the
penalty of Five Shillings for refusal, or neglect thereof.
That proper persons be appointed to keep clean the Markets,
and to be under the direction of the Clerks of the Market in their
so doing, and shall be paid, out of the Towu Treasury, by Order
of the Select Men.
That the Clerks of the Market are hereby Required and Directed
to prosecute any Person or Persons Trespassing against any of the
Rules or Orders before mentioned, and that the said Clerks of the
Market, or [113,] Any other Persons who shall sue for, and re-
cover any Fines, Forfeitures, Sum or Sums of Money, Arising
from the breach of any of these Orders, Shall be intitled to receive
the value of One half of the Sum so recovered, out of the Towu
Treasury.
Provided always. Nothing herein Contained be intended, meant
or construed, to abridge the Inhabitants of the District of Rumney
Marsh, from buying or Selling any Provisions as Usual in said
District.
It is Ordered, That the Market shall be Opened, on Tuesday, the
Fourth day of June, next ensuing, Notice thereof being given in
the Public Prints of this Town.
Voted, That the Scheme for setting up, and Regulating Markets,
as now Read, be Accepted.
Voted, That the Select Men be desired to present the Scheme of
a Market as now Voted, To the Court of General Sessions of the
Peace for the County of Suffolk at their Adjournment, on Monday
next, for Their Approbation.
Upon the Petition of Peter Briton — After Considerable Debate
thereon.
Voted, That the further consideration thereof, be refer'd to the
next Town Meeting
Voted, That all other things refer'd to this Meeting for further
Consideration, be also continued to the next Meeting
Then the Meetino; was Dismist.
Boston Town Records, 1734. 83
[113.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders, and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston, duly Qualified and Warned as the
Law Directs, being regularly Assembled, in a Publick Town Meet-
ing, at tlie Town House, On Wednesdaj-, the 8th of May, Anno
Domini, 1734.
After Prayer by the Reverend Mr. Charles Chauncey.
The Law being Read, Directing that Town Meetings for Choice
of Representatives be regulated by the Select Men.
A Question was put. Viz'
Quest. Whether the Town will now proceed to the Choice of a
Moderator for this Meeting?
It Pass'd in the Affirmative.
Voted, That the Hou''^® Elisha Cooke Esq"" be the Moderator for
the Present Meeting.
Sundry Petitions were Read. Viz'
Of Sundry Inhabitants, for widening Common Street, and part
of Frog Lane.
Of William 'Parkman and others for Liberty to Lay down Ways,
at the Slip in North Street, for Accomodation of the Ferry.
Of George Steuart and Joseph Cowell, for removing the Gun
House in the Common.
Of Thomas Moulin &c. Sextons, for Liberty to Dig in the
Burying Grounds.
Of Matthias Cowdery and Others, Watchmen, for addition to
their Allowance.
Of Samuel Hoyoke, for Addition to his Salary.
Of Peter Britton, That liis former Petition may be considered,
And himself released from Prison.
Of Daniel Pecker &c. Collectors, That the Assessors [114,] May
have libertj' to make reasonable abatements on the Taxes of the
last year.
Mr. Joseph Marion made a Motion, That the Town would give
Instructions to their Representatives, relating to the Fines of the
Militia.
Voted, To Proceed to the Choice of Four Representatives.
The Voles being Collected the Number of Voters were found to
be 604.
And that upon sorting them, the Three following Gentlemen
were duly Elected b}' a Major part of the Voters. Viz'
The Hon'''* Elisha Cooke Esq'' No. of Votes 346.
Mr. Thomas Cushing Jun' 574.
Mr. Oxenbridge Thacher 317.
Voted, To defer the Choice of the Fourth Representative, till
the Afternoon.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Three of the Clock, p.m.
The Town being Assembled according to Adjournment, Proceeded
to the Choice of One Representative.
The Number of Voters were 603.
The Votes being Sorted, it appear'd, That
Samuel Welles Esq" was duly Elected by a Major part of the
Voters Number of Votes, 302.
84: City Docu]ment No. QQ.
Voted, That the Select Men be desired and directed to prepare
the Draught of a Petition, to be Presented to the Great and Gen-
eral Court. [115.] At their next Sessions, For a Grant of the Sum
of Ten Thousand Pounds, to Enable the Town to Erect Fortifi-
cations for their defence and safety.
Upon the Petition of Sundry Inhabitants of this Town for
Widening Common Street, and part of Frog Lane.
Voted, To Chuse a Committee to Treat with the Abutters, and
make Report thereon, at the Adjournment of this Meeting, Or, at
the next Town Meeting.
Voted, That Nathauael Green Esq"".
Mr. Joseph Marion, &
Samuel Adams Esq''.
be a Committee for the P^nds aforesaid.
Upon the Petition of Dr. Steuartand I. Cowel for Removing the
Gun House in the Common.
Voted, That the Select Men be desired, and directed to Remove
the said Gun House to such Place, and at such distance, as they
shall think proper and convenient, at the Charge of the Petitioners.
Upon the Petition of Mr. William Parkman and Others for
Liberty to Lay down Ways for accomodation of a Ferry.
Voted, To Chuse a Committee to Consider the subject Matter,
of the said Petition, and Report What they think proper for the
Town to do thereon.
Voted, That Mr. Thomas Lee,
Anthony Stoddard Esq"^ &
Mr. John Staniford,
be a Committee for the End aforesaid.
[116.] Upon Benjamin Fisher's Petition for Liberty to Erect
a Wind mill on Forthill, Refer'd to the Select Men at the Meeting
in March last, to consider thereof and Report thereon. They made
Report thereon accordingly, as follows, Viz'
May. 3^. 1734.
We have maturel}^ considered the Subject of the above Petition,
and are of Opinion, that it be dismist.
John Jeffries.
Edward Bromfield Jun^
William Dovoje.
Jonathan Armitage.
David Colson.
Alexander Forsyth.
Which being Read.
Voted, That the Said Report be Accepted.
Upon the Petition of Thomas Moulin & Others Sextons, for
Liberty to Dig in the Burying Grounds.
Voted, To leave the same to the Select Men, to Order and Direct
what they may think proper to be done in that affair.
Upon the Petition of Matthias Cowdery and Others Watchmen,
for Addition to their Allowance.
Voted, That it be referr'd to the Select Men, to consider the Sub-
ject Matter of the Said Petition, and Report thereon at the Adjourn-
ment of this Meeting, or at the next Meeting.
Boston Town Records, 1734. 85
The Hon^^^ Elisba Cooke Esq"^ made a Motion with respect to
the Encroachments on the Rights of the Town.
[117.] Mess" Timothy Barron.
Nathanael Wheeler.
Seth Foster, and
Caleb Eea.
Were Chosen to serve as Clerks of the Market for the Year En-
suing.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned, until Frj'day, the 17th.
Instant, at 3 of the Clock, p. m.
Fr3-day, May, 17th.
The Town being Assembled according to Adjoui-nment.
Voted, That this present Meeting be further Adjourned, until
Tuesday next, the 21 si of May current, at Nine of the Clock in
the Morning.
Tuesday, May, 21st.
The Town being according Assembled.
The Committee appointed the 8tb. instant, to consider the sub-
ject matter of the Petition of William Parkman, and others, for
Liberty to lay down Wa3"s for Accommodation of a Ferry, made
Report thereon as follows, Viz'
We the Subscribers having reed the aforewritteu Vote of the
Town of Boston, have been upon and viewed the several Places
that were recommended to the Town for a Ferry Way to be made
down to the Sea for the more Easy Passing Winisimet Ferry, and
have considered the Subject Matter of the Petition now Lying
before the Town.
And are humbly of Opinion, That the Town Slip of Land at
the lower End of North Street is most convenient to be improved,
as a Landing Place in passing Winisimet [118.] Ferry so called,
and that the said Town Slip of Land, be only impi'oved su a
Landing place on this Side the Ferry, and not otherwise cinam-
ber'd, Provided the Petitioners, at their own cost and Charge,
make and Lay Sufficient Ways for the said Ferry to the Satisfac-
tion of the Select Men.
Dated at Boston May 21st. 1734.
Anthony Stoddard.
Thomas Lee.
John Staniford.
Upon which a Question was put. Viz'.
Quest. Whether the Town will Accept the Report of the said
Committee ?
It passVl in the Negative.
Quest, Whether You will grant the Prayer of the said Peti-
tion?
It pass'd in the Negative.
Upon the Petition of Mr. John Procter, for some further addi-
tion to his Salary, being Read.
A Question was put as follows, Viz
Quest. Whether or no, You are Willing to Raise the Stipends,
86 City Document No. G6.
Pay or Salarj-s of Your Writing Schoolmasters, for the Year Cur-
rent ?
It Pass'd in the Negative.
Upon the Petition of Daniel Pecker &c. Collect" of the Taxes
for the Year 1733.
Voted, That the Prayer of the said Petition be Granted. And
the Assessors have accordingly Liberty Granted them to sit 'till
the latter end of July next, in Order to make such abatements on
[119.] The said Taxes, as to them shall seem just & reason-
able.
Voted, That Mr. John Staniford be One of the Assessors for
the Year ensuing.
Voted, That the Town will now Proceed to the Choice of a Mas-
ter of the South Grammar School by Written Votes.
Mr. John Lovel was accordingly Unanimously Chosen Master
of the South Grammar School in this Town, to Succeed the Rev.
Mr. Nathanael Williams.
Voted, That the Stipend, Pay or Salary, with the Emoluments
of the said School, now belonging to the Rev. Mr. Williams, the
present Master thei'eof . Shall be and belong to the said Mr. Lovel,
for the Year Current, Or 'till further Order: the same to Com-
mence, On his being Introduced to the said Mastership.
Voted, A Grant of Si^ Thousand Seven Hundred Pounds,
to be Raised on Polls and Estates within the Town, for the Relief
of the Poor, defraying the Charge of the Watches, and other
necessary Expences, arising within and for the Said Town, the
Year ensuing.
Voted, That the Town will take into their further Considera-
tion the Petition of Peter Briton.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Three of the Clock
afternoon.
The Town being Assembled.
Voted, That the Committee for Effecting the Fortifications of
this Town, be Directed, That when They have Obtained, Or, may
be furnished with Money for the present carrying on the Same,
by private Loan, [I'^O. ] They do apply the same, in the first place,
for, and towards Laying the Foundation of the North Batter}'.
The Select Men, in pursuance of a Vote of this Town the 8th.
Instant, Having prepared an Address, to the Great and General
Court, the same was Read.
Voted, That the Select Men be further desired, and directed, to
Sign the Said Address, and Present the same to the Great and
General Court, at the next Sessions.
Upon a Motion made, at the Opening of this Meeting, by Mr.
Joseph Marion, for giving Instructions to the Representatives of
the Town. After Debate thereon.
The following Question was put. Viz'
Quest. Whether You do Give it as an Instruction to the Repre-
sentatives of this Town, That they shall, to the utmost of their
power and Skill, Oppose all Motions or Endeavours, for the Set-
tling A Salary on the Governour for the time being?
Boston Town Records, 1734. 87
It Pn,ss'd in the Afflmative Unanimousl}'.
A further Motion being made to Give Instructions to the Eep-
resentatives, respecting the Fines of the Militia
The Following Question was put, Viz'
Quest. "Whether You will give any Instructions to Your Repre-
sentatives, respecting the Fines of the Militia?
[131.] It Pass'd in the Affirmative.
Voted, To Give it as an Instruction to the Representatives of
this Town, To Oppose any Bill or Bills that may be brought
forward in the Great and General Court, for Raising the Fines of
the Militia, Unless, in the said Bill there be a Proviso That the
Officer, Or, Officers, to whom the fines of Delinquents are paid.
Shall be Accountable therefor, to the Treasurers of the several
Towns, from time to time.
Then the Meeting was Dismist.
The Copy of an Address Presented to the Great & General
Court, by the Select men of the Town of Boston, pursuant to
Votes of the said Town the 8"^ & 2P' of May 1 734 — Viz'
To His Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esq"" Capf" General
and Govern'' in Chief ; The Honourable the Council, and House
of Representatives, in General Court Assembled, May 29"*
1734.
The Representation, and Address of the Town of Boston. —
Humbly Shew^eth —
That the prospect of War in Europe, renders it highly Necessar3%
That this Town be put into a proper posture of Defence, and
Offence ; Forasmuch as (should there be a Rupture, and any
Design form'd and Executed against this Country) Boston would,
in great probability, be first Attacked, and Obliged to Sustain the
strongest Efforts of the Enemy : And whereas the Fortifjnug the
same, will greatly promote His Majestj^'s Honour and Dignity
here, much tend to the Safet}', Peace, and Welfare of His Good
Subjects throughout this Province, And also be for the security
(1^3.) Of the ver^' valuable Efi'ects constantly Lodg'd in this
Place, on Account of His Majesty's good Subjects in Great Brit-
ain.
It is therefore most Humbly Requested, That Your ExcelP^ &
Hon" would, out of your Great Goodness Grant a Sum of
Money for that Purpose.
But if the General Court should not think proper so to Order. —
It is then humbly and earnestly intreated.
That yo^ ExcelP^ & Hon" would be pleased to Grant the Sum
of Ten Thousand Pounds, in Public Bills of Credit out of the
Province Treasury, to be paid into the Treasury of this Town to
Enable tliem to Effect such necessary Works, and subject the
Town by an Act or Law to repay said Sum into the Public
Treasury' in some future Years, in such annual proportion, as by
the Wisdom of the Court shall be judged most reasonable. —
May it please Yo^ Excellency and Honours —
We cannot but humbly Apprehend, that by Yo", favourable
Regard to this Petition of the Town of Boston, they might be put
88 City Document No. 66.
into such a state of Defence, as might much better secure, Not
only their own Peace and Welfare, but that of all other the In-
habitants of this His Majesty's Province or Territory.
And therefore, could it be thought just & reasonable for the
Town to Engage in this Affair at their own Cost and Charge, Yet
they are at this Juncture under great Necessity to make this
Humble Application to Yo"". Excellency and Honours for aid and
relief on this Important Occasion — Since the Trade of the Town
(their only support) is under such great decay, and consequently
the Inhabitants under such Impoverishing Circumstances, That it
is impracticable for them by a Present Tax, to raise so large a
Sum, as is absolutely necessary, to Accomplish this great Aff'air
of the Fortifications.
John Jeffries.
Edward Bromfield.
William Downe.
Jonathan Armitage. )■ Select Men.
David Collson.
Joshua Winslow.
Alexander Forsyth.
[133.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders, and Other Inhab-
itants of the Town of Boston, Duly Qualified, and warned as the
Law directs being Regularly AssemlDledin a Public Town Meeting,
at the Town House, On Tuesday, June, 25"^ 1734.
Voted, That the Hon^^" Elisha Cooke Esq"" be Moderator of the
Present Meeting.
Sundry Petitions were Read, Viz'
Of sundry Inhabitants, respecting the Town Butchers selling
their Meat in the Publick Markets.
Of Mr. William Parkman and Others for Liberty to lay down
Ways at the End of North street for Accommodation of the
Ferry.
Mr. Treasurer Wadsworth made a Motion, That the Town
would take into Consideration, the Raising of Ten Thousand
Pounds for Effecting Fortifications, Which was Voted at a Meeting,
on the 20* of March last past.
The Report of a Committee appointed the 8"^ of May last on the
Aff'air of Widening Common Street, and Frog Lane — Read.
The Petition of Sundry Inhabitants, That the Town would come
into some proper Measures to prevent the Town Butchers from
Selling their Meat in the Publick Markets — Read and debated
on.
■ Voted, To Proceed to the Choice of a Committee to Consider
the subject Matter of the said Petition, And what They think
proper for the Town to do in that Affair ; and Report the same at
the Adjournment of this Meeting.
Voted That the Select Men be the said Committee.
[124.] Upon the Report of a Committee appointed to Con-
sider the Petition of Sundry Inhabitants, for Widening Commou
Street, and part of Frog Lane.
The following Questions was put, Viz*
Boston Town Records, 1734. 89
Quest. Whether the Town would take into further Considera-
tion the affair of Widening Coromon Street, and Frog Lane?
It Pass'd in the Negative.
The Petition of IMr, William Parkman and Others for Liberty to
lay down and maintain Good and Sufficient Ways, for Accommoda-
tion of the Ferry, at the End of North street, Read again, as fol-
lows, Viz'.
Boston, June 17. 1734.
To the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston
Whereas at the last Town Meeting, Our Petition for Liberty to lay
down Ways at the lower end of North Street was not Granted.
We whose Names are here unto Subscribed with Others, Desire
Libert}- to Lay down, and Maintain for Twent}' or Thirty j^ears,
Good and Sufficient Ways, for the Landing of Passengers from
Winisimet, at the Towns Slip at the lower End of North Street, To
the Satisfaction of the Select Men, during said Term.
William Parkman.
Eli AS Pakkman,
Thomas Stoddard.
John Geeenough.
John Baker jun"^.
Newman Greenodgh.
[125.] Voted That the Prayer of this Petition be Granted.
And, That the Petitioners William Parkman, and his Associates,
accordingly have Liberty to Lay down the said Wa3's, at the Towns
Slip, at the lower End of North Street, for the Landing of Pas-
sengers from Winisimet : Provided — They make them Good and
Sufficient, And Maintain them for the full Term of Thirty Years
next coming, to the Satisfaction of the Select Men of the Town of
Boston, for the Time being,
The Hon''^^ Thomas Fitch, and Jacob Wendell Esq''^ with sundrj^
Other Proprietors of the Long Wharf. Presented a Memorial or
Petition to the Select Men, E)esiring it might be inserted in the
Warrant for calling the next Town Meeting. In Order to Obtain
Leave of the Town, to make out an Addition of Ten, Twelve, or
Fourteen feet to the said Wharf to make the same more suitable
and substantial for the planting A Line of Guns thereon.
The said Memorial, or Petition being Read
The Following Question was put, Viz'
Quest. Whether the Town would take the said Petition into
Consideration ?
It Pass'd in the Negative.
Upon a Motion made by the Hou'^'^ Elisha Cooke Esq"" as
enter'd the H"" of May 1734. Respecting the Encroachments made
on the Rights of the Town — The Town now came into the Con-
sideration of the said Motion, and
Voted That Mess". Joseph Marion
[126.] John Walivcr
William Stoddard
Jeffery Bedgood &
Bryant Parott
90 City Document No. ()6.
be a Committee to Prosecute in the Law, all Such Persons as have
made Encroachments on the Town's Rights.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Fryday next, at Five
of the Clock, p. m.
Fryday, June 28'^. 1734.
The Town being Assembled according to Adjournment.
The Select Men, who were appointed a Committee, the 25'^. in-
stant, to Consider the Subject Matter of the Petition of Sundry
Inhabitants, Praying the Town to come into some proper Measures
to prevent the Town Butchers from Selling their Meat in the
Public Markets ; And to Think what may be proper for the Town
to do thereon, Having accordinglj' prepared a Vote respecting the
same. They presented it to the Town for their Consideration, in
Order to its being made a By-Law. Which is as follows, Viz*
Whereas it is found by Experience, That the Public Markets
lately Established in the Town of Boston (which were chiefly
designed for the Accommodation of the Country People) are verj^
mucli incumber'd by the Butchers dwelling within the said Town,
bringing their Meat there to Sell.
[137.] For Remedy thereof.
It is Voted and Ordered. That no Butcher, being an Inhabitant
of the Town of Boston, Shall, either by himself or his Servant, or
any other Person employed by him bring any sort of Provisions
into any of the said Places assigned for the Markets, there to Sell,
or Expose the same to Sale.
And if any Butcher either by himself, his Servant or any other
Person, as aforesaid, from and after the Eighth day of July next,
Shall presume to bring any Sort of Provisions into any of the said
Markets, and sell, or expose the same to Sale there, Or within the
bounds & limits thereof. And be duly convicted of the same. He
or She so Offending shall forfeit and pay the Sum of Twenty Shil-
lings for every such Offence : Any By-Law of this Town to the
Contrary Notwithstanding.
The which Vote, as now enter'd, being Read —
Voted — That the same be accepted, contii-med and Established.
Voted — That the Select Men be desired to present the said Vote
or By-Law (to prevent the Town Butchers from Selling their Meat
in the Public Markets) to the Court of General Sessions of the
Peace, for the County of Suffolk, at their next Sessions for
Approbation.
The Select Men further Reported, as follows, Viz*
The Select Men are of Opinion, That upon Application made by
the Butchers, it may be adviseable for the Town to build Stalls for
them, at a suitable [138.] Distance from the several Market
places, They paying a reasonable Monthl}' Rent for the same. And
to be under the Regulation of whom the Town shall think fit to
Appoint.
Which being Read ; The Question was put, as follows. Viz'
Quest. Whether the Town do Accept of the Report of the
Select Men, relating to the building Stalls for the Town Butchers,
upon Application roade therefor?
BosTox Town Eecords, 1734. 91
Voted — In the Affirmative.
Voted — That the Select Men for the time being, be desired, and
Appointed to take the said Affair under their Care and Kegula-
tion.
Upon a Motion made by Mr. Treas"" WadsAvorth at the Opening
of this Meeting, relating to a Vote of this Town, pass'd the 20"^
March last, for the Raising Ten Thousand pounds for Fortifica-
tions
Voted — That the said Motion be incerted in the next Warrants
for a Town Meeting That so the same may properly come
under consideration. And in the mean time, the Select Men are
directed Not to deliver the Assessors, the said Vote, for Raising
Ten Thousand pounds for Fortifications, until that Affair has been
again Considered Accordingly.
Whereas, Mess" David Melvil and Matthias Cowdery have been
emplo3''d as Assistants to the [1.39.] Clerk of the Market in
Dock square.
Voted, That the said Persons, or any Other, be still employ "d in
that service until the next Town Meeting ; And that it be incerted
in the Warrants, in Order, for the Town then to Consider of that
Affair.
The Hon^^*^ Elisha Cooke Esq"" made a Motion, which was sec-
onded by Mr Thomas Gushing, For an Explanation of a Vote of
this Town, pass'd, and enter'd on Tuesday May, 21" 1734.
Which Vote was Read, and is as follows. Viz'
Voted, To give it as an Instruction to the Representatives of
this Town, To Oppose any Bill or Bills that ma}' be brought for-
ward in the Great and General Court for raising the Fines of the
Militia, Unless in the said Bill there be a Proviso, That the Officer
or Officers to whom the fines of Delinquents are paid, shall be ac-
countable therefor to the Treasurers of the several Towns, from
time to time.
Upon which the following Question was put. Viz'
Quest. Whether You do not apprehend. That it was the true
intent and meaning of this Town, at their said Meeting and in the
fore recited Vote, That Yo''. Representatives should strenuously
Oppose the Raising of the Fines of the Militia -But, if a Bill
was likely to pass for that End Then they should Endeavour,
That a clause or paragraph should be brought into sucli Bill, to
Oblige the Captains, or other Officers receiving such Fines, to be
accountalile to the Town Treasurers of the Several Towns?
Voted — In the Affirmative.
Then the Meeting was dismist.
[130.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders, and other Inhabi-
tants of tlie Town of Boston, duly Qualified, and warned as the
Law directs, l)eing regularly Assembled in a public Town Meeting,
at tlie Town House, on Wednesday, July 31. 1734.
Voted — That the Ilon'^''^ Thomas Fitch Esq'' be the Moderator
of the present Meeting.
A Memorial of Thomas Palmer Esq'' and Mr. Henry Gibbs,
Read
A List of Encroaoliments on Town Rights — Read.
92 City Document No. 66.
Mr. Joseph Marion made a Motion, Viz' Tliat the Original
Reports of Committees respecting Encroachments on Town Riglits
might be publicldy Read, before the Meeting be Dismist.
Upon a Motion of Mr. Treasurer Wadsworth Respecting the
Vote of this Town, the 20* of March, last, for Raising the Sum of
Ten Thousand pounds, for Erecting Fortifications, Which said
Motion was under Consideration at the last Town Meeting, And
referred to this present Meeting.
The said Vote for Raising the sum of Ten Thousand Pounds for
Fortification, as entcr'd the 20'^ March, 1733. was Read.
Upon which the following Question being put. Viz'.
Quest. Whether it be the mind of the Town to Reconsider the
said Vote for Raising Ten Thousand Pounds for Fortifications?
Voted in the AflSrmative.
[131.] Quest. Whether it be the mind of the Town, That the
Vote for Raising Ten Thousand pounds for Fortifications pass'd
and enter'd the 20''' of March last, be Reversed?
Voted in the Affirmative.
The Committee appointed the 15"' of March last to prepare
Carriages for Mounting the Cannon belonging to the Town, Pre-
senting the Acounts of their Disbursements, the following Ques-
tion was put. Viz'.
Quest. Whether it be Your mind. That the Select Men, be a
Committee to Audit and Examin the said Accounts, And upon
their finding them right and just, that the}^ talve the usual method for
payment, Viz'. By drawing on the Town Treasurer for the same?
Voted, In the Negative
Voted, That the Select Men be a Committee to receive and ex-
amin the Accounts of Disbursements by the Committee appointed
the 15"' of March last, to prepare Carriages for Mounting the Can-
non, And that they Report their Opinion thereon, at the next
Town Meeting ; That so, suitable provision may be made for their
payment.
Whereas, a Committee was appointed the 25"* of June last, to
prosecute in the Law, all such Persons as have made Enci-oach-
ments on the Towns Rights — And they have desired. That par-
ticular Instructions may be given them relating to that affair.
Voted, That the giving Instructions to said Committee, ap-
pointed to prosecute those that Encroach, upon the Rights [133.]
Of the Town, be deferr'd to the next Town Meeting. And in
the mean time, the Select Men are directed to prepare Instructions
for the said Committee accordingly, and to lay them before the
Town, at their next Meeting for consideration.
Upon the Memorial of the Hon^''' Thomas Palmer Esq'' and Mr.
Henry Gibbs, Read again,
Voted — That the said Memorial be dismist, For that the Town
are of Opinion, the Lands or Wharves mentioned therein, belong
to the Town already.
Whereas, The Alfair of an Assistant to the Clerk of the Market
on Dock Square was referr'd to the Consideration of this Meet-
ing — The same was debated — And the Following Question was
put, Viz'.
BosTOx Town Eecoeds, 1734. 93
Quest. Whether it be Your Mind to allow any Assistant to the
Clerk of the Market, on Dock Square?
Voted, In the Negative.
Then the Meeting was Dismist.
[133.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston, duly Qualified, and Warned as the
Law directs, being regularly Assembled in a Public Town Meeting,,
at the Town House, On Wednesday, Aug. 28"" 1734.
Voted, To Chuse a Moderator for this Meeting by written Votes.
The Votes being accordingly Collected and sorted, it appeared.
That the Hon"^ Elisha Cooke Esq" was Chosen Moderator, by a
Majority of the Votes.
The Select Men being Appointed the 3P' of July last, a Com-
mittee to Receive and Examin the Accounts of a Committee
Chosen the 15"' of March last, to prepare Carriages for mounting
the Cannon belonging to the Town — Reported,. — That they had
accordingl}- Examin'd the said Accounts — And are of Opinion,
That the Sura of Six hundred and Sixty nine Pounds, Twelve
Shillings and Ten pence, is justly due and Owing from the Town
of Boston to the said Committee.
In Consideration of the Exi-»ences of the Committee for pre-
paring Carriages for the Great Guns, amounting to the sum of Sis
Hundred and Sixty Nine pounds. Twelve Shillings and Ten pence
— As also the Committee for Effecting the Fortifications, their
Expences for a Boat Load of Stones, and other Charges, amount-
ing to about Forty five pounds.
Voted, That the sum of Seven Hundred & Fourteen pounds-
Twelve Shillings and Ten pence, be Raised on Polls and Estates,
within the Town of Boston for Defraying the Charges above men-
tioned.
[134.] Upon a Motion made (and seconded) to Consider of
further carrying on the necessary Fortifications of the Town —
The following Question was put. Viz'
Quest. Whether the Town will come into the further Considera-
tion of the AflTair of Fortifications at this present Meeting?
Voted in the Negative.
Voted, That the Select Men be desired and impowred to take
the Care of, and Secure the Carriages of the Cannon; together
with the other Stores of War, belonging to the Town, in such
Way and manner, as to them may seem best.
The Select Men being Directed to prepare Instructions for the
Committee appointed to prosecute in the Law, Such as have made
Encroachments on the Towns Rights, Reported, That they have'
not had time to prepare the same.
Voted, That the said Affair be referr'd to tlie next Town Meet-
ing— And the Select Men are Earnestly desired, and directed, in
the mean time to prepare the said Instructions, and to lay them
before the Town, at the said Meeting, for their Consideration
Accordingly.
Voted, To Chuse a Committee, to Enquire into tlie Complaints
of Sundry Inliabitants of the Town of Boston, relating to the High
94 City Document Xo. 66.
Way or street at the Southend, leading round Windmill Point,
being stopt up.
Voted, That Mr. Samuel Gardner,
[135.] Joseph Wadsworth Esq'' and
Timothy Clark Esq""
be the Committee for the Ends aforesaid And that They
make a Report to the Town at their next Meeting, What They
think proper to be done thereon.
Then the Meeting was dismist.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston, duly Qualified, and Warned as the Law directs,
being regularly Assembled in a Public Town Meeting, at the
Town House, on Fryday, December, 27"^ 1734.
Voted, To Chuse a Moderator by a Handy vote.
Voted, That the Hon'^^'^ Elisha Cooke Esq"" be the Moderator of
the Present Meeting. Who Accepted that Service upon
Condition, that He might withdraw, if the Public Affairs should
require his ntteudance in the General Court, now sitting.
The Petition of sundry Inhabitants, presented to the Select
Men, relating to the Demands, made in the Law, b}' James Ever-
ills Heirs — Head.
Mr. Samuel Gibson's Petition — Read.
The Affairs of the General Court requiring the present Attend-
ance of the Moderator, He accordingly withdrew — Whereupon
the Town proceeded to the Choice of Another.
Voted, That Capt Nathauael Cunningham be IModerator of this
Meeting In the Room of the Hon''''' Elisha Cooke Esq"
Upon the Petition of sundry Inhabitants relating to [136.]
The Demands made in the Law, by James Everill's heirs.
Voted, To Chuse a Committee, to make diligent and strict
search into the Public Records of the Connty & Town, That so,
what relates to the Demands made in the Law by James Everill's
Heirs, may fully and fairly appear. Agreeable to a Petition of
Sundry Inhabitants presented to the Select Men.
Voted — That the said Committee consist of five Persons.
Voted, That William Stoddard Esq''
Mess''^ Benjamin Emmons,
Joseph Marion,
Timothy Prout, and
John Walker,
be a Committee for the Ends aforesaid.
Voted, That the Select Men be directed in the Name of the
Town of Boston, To Petition the General Court, that the Process
in several Cases, depending between this Town, and Mr. Everill's
Heirs may be staid, that so, they may have proper Time to
prepare for their defence.
Then the Meeting was Dismist.
[137.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders of the Town of
Boston, at the Town House, upon Thursday the 16"' of January,
1731 — By Virtue of a Warrant under the Hands and Seal of
Boston Town Kecokds, 1734. 95
William Dudley and Anthony Stoddard Esq""' Two of His Majesty's
Justices of the Peace for the County of Suffolk Quorum Unus ; In
Order to the Choice of a Person to be Register of Deeds and Con-
veyances of Land in the said County in the Room of John Ballan-
tine Esq'' Deceased Being Lawfully Warned and regularly
Assembled.
The Freeholders present, Voted To Chuse a Moderator for the
present Meeting, by written Votes.
The Votes being accordingly Collected, it appeared That Elisha
Cooke Esq'' was Chosen Moderator by a Majority of Votes.
Then the Freeholders proceeded to bring in their Votes for a
Register of Deeds and Conveyances of Land in the Count}' of
Suffolk Which Votes being Collected, were Sealed up in the
presence of the Meeting by Abijah Adams One of the Constables
of the said Town of Boston, to be by him Kept, & returned by
him to the Aforesaid William Dudley and Anthony Stoddard Esq'
Pursuant to the Directions in their said Warrant.
Then the Meeting was dismist.
[138.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston, duly Qualified, and Warned as the
Law directs, being Regularly Assembled, in Public Town Meet-
ing, at the Town House, Upon Monday March 10th. 1734.
After Prayer, by the Reverend Mr. Joshua Gee.
Voted, That Elisha Cooke Esq. be the Moderator of the Present
Meeting.
Sundry Laws Read
Sundry Petitions, and Proposals Read and Motions made. Viz'
The Petition of sundry Inhabitants relating to the Markets.
Proposals to prevent the growing Charges of the Town.
The Petition of sundry Inhabitants of Rumney Marsh.
Petitions - - For Paving part of School Street.
- - - - - - - - - - - Orange Street.
_ - . _ _ North Street & Lynn Street.
- - __------- Green Lane.
- - - - Prince Street.
- - - - - - - - For Ringing the South Bell.
- - - - Of Mr. Samuel Gibson, to Augment his Salary.
- - - - Of Mr. Samuel Holyoke - - - Ditto.
.... Of Mr. Zech-^ Hicks - - - - Ditto.
- - - - Of Mr. Sendall Williams - - - Ditto.
- - - - Of the Companys belonging to the Water Engines-
_ ... Of Mr. Samuel Clark.
- - - - Of Mr. William Rand.
- - - - Of Mrs. Abihail Chamberlain.
Samuel Checkley Esq"" (County Treasurer) his Letter.
List of Encroachments on Town Rights
Mr. Joseph Marion's Proposals.
Mr. Marion made a Motion relating to the keeping the Streets
clean.
Mr. Jonathan Williams made a Motion relating to his Care of the
Granary, And his Allowance therefor. And also at the North End.
96 City Document No. 6Q.
[139.] Mr. Jonathan Williams made a Motion also relating
to the Cow-Commonages.
The Select Men made a Motion relating to the Porters on the
Town Dock ; It being the Desire of Several Merchants that the
said Porters might be brought under some proper Regulation.
Samuel Gerrish was Chosen Town Clerk for the Year ensuing,
and Sworn.
Voted, To Chuse Seven Select Men. Accordingly,
John Jeffries Esq''.
Joshua Winslow Esq''.
Mr. Edward Bromfeild.
Capt. William Downe.
Capt. Jonathan Armitage.
Mr. David Collson, and
Capt. Alexander Forsyth.
Were Chosen Select Men, for the Year ensuing.
Voted, To Chuse Nine Overseers of the Poor. And
Jacob Wendell Esq'".
John Ruck Esq'.
Henry Dering Esq''.
William Tyler Esq^
Mr. John Hunt.
Capt. Samuel Greenwood.
Capt. JefFery Bedgood.
Capt. John Hill, and
Mr. Thomas Hubbard.
Were accordingly Chosen Overseers of the Poor, for y* Year
Ensuing.
Voted, That Joseph Wadsworth Esq"" be the Town Treasurer for
the Year Ensuing.
Voted, To Adjourn this Meeting 'till Three of the Clock Afternoon.
The Town being again Assembled.
Voted, To Chuse Seven Assessors. Accordingly.
[140.] Mess'^ Jonas Clark.
James Watson.
Daniel Loriug.
Peter Thomas.
Richard Buckley.
John Staniford, and
Joshua Blanchard.
Were Chosen Assessors, for the Year Ensuing.
Voted, To Chuse Collectors of the Taxes, distinct from the
Constables.
Voted, To Chuse Three Collectors. Accordingly.
Capt. Daniel Pecker,
Mr. William Rand, and
Capt. Nathanael Barber,
Were Chosen, to be Collectors of the Rates and Taxes for the
year ensuing.
Voted, that Mr. John Brentnal be the Collector of the Rates and
Taxes within the District of Rumney Marsh, for the year ensuing.
Boston Town Records, 1734. 97
Voted, That Mr. John Breutnal be the Constable, for Rumney
Marsh, the Year Ensuing. Who was Accordingly Sworn.
Voted, To Chuse a Surveyor of Hemp and Flax, by a Hand
Vote, Accordingly'.
Voted, That Mr. Isaac Gridley be Surveyor of Hemp and Flax
within this Town, the year ensuing And Sworn.
. Voted, To Chuse Twelve Constables, Accordingly
Mess". John Collson,
Benjamin Fitch,
Peter Chardon,
John Gooch ---------
Thomas Simpkins ------- Sworn.
Samuel Green --- Sworn.
Joshua Henshaw Jun''. ------
Edmund Negus, - - Sworn.
Samuel Cravath -------- Sworn.
[141.] Edward Jackson
Nathanael Gardner -------
Jeremiah Green --------
Were Chosen Constables for the ensuing year.
Voted, That Mess" Elisha Tuttle, and
Benjamin Floyd,
be Fence Viewers in the District of Rumney Marsh.
Voted, That Mess". Robert Levenston, and
Nathanael Tuttle,
be Hogreves for Rumney Marsh.
Voted, That Mr. Thomas Pratt, be Surveyor of the High Wayjs
in Rumney Marsh.
Voted, That Mr. John Hasey, be the Sealer of Leather in the
District of Rumney Marsh for the year ensuing.
Voted, That the Affairs of the Market ; The Choice of County
Treasurer ; And the Proposals to prevent the growing Charges of
the Town, be brought under Consideration Tomorrow Morning, at
Nine of the Clock And in the same Order as they stand now
entred.
Voted, That the Select Men, or some or them, be desired to
wait on the Committee of the Old South Meeting House, And
Desire that the Town may Meet therein Tomorrow Morning, if
there should be Occasion for it. And if they should Refuse the
same. Then that they take some prudent care that the Meeting
may be held in One or Other of the Places of Publick Worship
within the Town.
The Petition of a number of the Inhabitants of the District of
Rumney Marsh, Read again. And
Upon the Motion, and at the Instance of Samuel Watts Esq''.
Mr. Jacob Hasey and Others, Principal Subscribers to the said
Petition, it was.
Voted, To Chuse a Committee to take the said Petition under
Consideration, Who are to Report [142.] To the Town at thei?
Annual Meeting in March next, What they think proper for the
Town to do in the Affair.
Voted, That the«said Committee consist of Five Persons.
98 City Document No. 6Q.
Voted that Mr. Robert Rand
Samuel Adams Esq"".
William Stoddard Esq^
Mr. Timothy Prout, and
Mr. Joseph Marion,
be a Commiitee for the End aforesaid.
Upon the Petition of Mrs. Abihail Chamberlain Widow of Jacob
Chamberlain, the late Constable for Rumney Marsh, Deceased
Which was Read again.
Voted, To allow Six Months from this time, for the said Mrs.
Abihail Chamberlain to Accompt with the Town Treasurer
And that the Assessors also be allowed to make such Abatements
as they shall judge proper. Agreeable to the Prayer of the
Petitioner.
Voted, To Adjourn this Meeting Until Tomorrow Morning at
Nine of the Clock.
Tuesday March 11* The Town being Assembled,
Voted, To Adjourn this Meeting to the Meeting House of the
Old North Church.
Voted, That whatever damage may happen to the Pews or Seats
in the said House by reason or means of the Town's Meeting there,
shall be Repaired at the Town's Charge.
The Town being Assembled accordingly.
The Petition of Sundry Inhabitants relating to the Markets
(Desiring that the Houses Erected for the same may be appropri-
ated to some other Use) was Read.
And after Debate thereon,
A Motion was made and Seconded, Viz'.
That the Mind of the Town might be known, Viz'.
Whetlier They would now proceed to Act upon the said Petition?
And, in Order thereto,
[143.] A previous Question was put. Viz'.
Quest. Whether it should be b\' written Votes ?
Voted, In the Affirmative.
[Accordingly, Those who were for proceeding to Act upon the
said Petition, were directed to Wnte Yea, and those Who were
not for Acting upon it were directed to Write Nay.']
The Votes being Collected, It Appeared that the Voters were,
in Number 652.
Of Which Number 275 were Yea.
And 377 Nay.
According to Order, The Town proceeded to bring in their Votes
for the Choice of A County Treasurer.
Which Votes being Collected Were Sealed up in the Presence of
the Meeting by Capt. George Gibbs, One of the Constables of the
Town of Boston, to be by Him kept, and Returned by him to the
Court of General Sessions of the Peace to be held for the County
of Suffolk, As the Law directs.
Mess''^ Bartholomew Green- ------- Sworn.
Samuel Goffe, Jun'^ Sworn.
Alexander Parkman
Capt. George Gibbs _--_-.- Sworn.
Boston Town Eecords, 1734. 99
Capt. Peter Kenwood.
Mr. John Tyng --------- Excus'd.
Mr. John Allen
Mr. Joseph Goldthwait ------ Sworn.
"Were Chosen Constables for the Year ensuing.
Voted, That the further Consideration of the Affairs relating to
the Market, That is to say, The Pay or Allowance to be made to
the Clerks of the Market for their Attendance and service the year
past ; And the Accounts of the Committee for Building the
Markets, be Adjourned 'till Tomorrow Morning, At Ten of the
Clock.
[144.] Voted, To Adjourn this Meeting to the Town House,
To Meet at Three of the Clock, Afternoon.
The Town being Met,
The Proposals of sundry Inhabitants, in Order to prevent the
growing Charges of the Town — Read —
A Motion was made and Seconded, And Accordingly
Voted, That the Consideration of the said Proposals be deferred
'till Tomorrow at Three of the Clock Afternoon — And that
tlie Overseers of the Poor be desired to be present at the same
timci.
Mess". John Legg -- Sworn.
Joseph Grouard Sworn.
William Beer -------- Sworn.
John Wood ---- Refused.
Samuel Procter -------- Sworn.
Thomas Clark -_- Sworn.
BenjaiDiu Babbidge - Sworn.
Joseph Cowel -------- Sworn.
Were Chosen Clerks of the Market.
Mess". Samuel May --------- Sworn.
William Young -------- Sworn.
James Dawson -------- Sworn.
jSTathanael Hodgdon ------ Sworn.
.Joshua Dodge -------- Sworn.
Were Chosen Sealers of Leather.
Mess" Moses Ayres -------- Sworn.
Roger Stainer -------- Sworn.
Benjamin Russell
John Eudicot -------- Sworn.
Matthew Barnard ------- Sworn.
John Adams
William More -------- Sworn.
Were Chosen Fence Viewers.
Mess". Edward Moberly ------- Sworn.
Thomas Foster
Edward Richards ------- Sworn.
[145.] William Paine -- Sworn.
Samuel Clark jun'' ------- Sworn.
Frnncis More -.- Sworn.
Were Chosen Viewers of Shingles, Measurers of Boards, &e.
100 City Dooumjent No. Q6.
Mess". John Smibert - - - Excused.
Thomas Pahner Jun' - [ Constables
Joseph Calef - - - Sworu. | (in margin)
Francis Smith - - - J
Voted, That Mr. John Tyng be Excused from serving in the
OflSce of a Constable (to which he was Chosen this day) for Rea-
sons by him given.
Mess" John Fitch,
Joseph Jackson,
George Skinner,
Barret Dyre,
Andrew Tyler, Excused.
William Coffin,
Ezekiel Carver,
George Monk
John Welland,
John Taylor,
Nathanael Gardner,
Nathanael Greenwood,
John Holyoke,
Thomas Hill,
Thomas Boucher.
Were Chosen Scavengers.
Mess". Gayer Coffin Sworn."
Nathanael March --------- Sworn.
Samuel Gray ---------- Sworn.
James Hill Sworn.
Were Chosen Hogreves.
The Petition of Mr. William Wheeler and Others, Masters of
the Water Engines in the Town, Desiring the Town would Ex-
cuse them from Serving in any Other Offices for the Year ensu-
ing. Read.
Voted, That the Prayer of the Petitioners be Granted
[146.] The Petition of several Inhabitants, for Paving at the
lower end of Prince Street, near Charlestown Ferry,
Read again
Voted — That inasmuch as there are several other Petitions
Presented to the Town for Paving in several Streets That They
be all now Read, That so the Town may better Consider of them,
in Order to Pass upon them.
And upon a Motion made and Seconded.
Voted, To Chuse a Committee, To Compute the Charges of
Paving in the several Streets propos'd, and to View & Consider
what Places may stand in most need thereof And to make a
Report thereon to the Town at their next General Town-Meeting.
Voted, That the said Committee Consist of Five Persons.
Voted-That Timothy Clark Esq'.
William Tyler Esq^
Mess" John Walker, •
Timothy Prout, and
Isaac White ,
be a Committee for the Ends aforesaid.
Boston Town Eecords, 1734. 101
Upon the Petition of Mr. William Eand, relating to the Release
of a certain Annual Quit Rent of Four Shillings to the Town,
from Lands he lately purchased of Peter Gamberto, Administraf
on the Estate of Isaac Gamberto Deceased. Upon his paj'ing
the sum of Six Pounds to the Town Treasurer, as eutred in the
Records of the Annual Meeting in March last. Which Petition
being Read.
Voted, That the Prayer of the Petitioner be Granted.
Upon, Mr. Samuel Clark's Petition, for an abatement of his
Rent of the North Battery Wharf &c. As set forth in his Pe-
tition Which was Read,
[147.] Voted, That the Sum of Fifteen Pounds be AUow'd
and paid out of the Town Treasury to the said Mr. Clark, in
Consideration of his Loss and Damage, as set forth in his Petition.
Upon the Petition of Mr. Samuel Gibson, Usher of the South
Grammar School, Which was Read again.
Voted, That the sum of Twenty Pounds be Added to Mr.
Gibson's Salary (Which will make his whole Salary to be One
Hundred Pounds) the same to Commence from the time of his
Entring into the service of the said School.
The Petition of Mr. Zech. Hicks, Read again.
Voted, That the sum of Twenty Pounds be allow'd & paid to
the said Mr. Hicks, in Consideration of His House Rent, and in
Addition to his Salary for this Year.
The Petition of Mr. Samuel Holyoke, Master of the Writing
School in Queen Street, Read Again.
Voted, That the sum of Thirty Pounds be Added to Mr. Holy-
oke's Salary for the year ensuing.
Upon Mr. Sendall Williams's Petition for Addition to his Salary
Which was Read again, and Debated.
Voted, That the Consideration of the said Petition be left to
the Select Men Who are Desired to Report to the Town what
they think ma}' be proper for them to do thereon at their next
Town Meeting.
The Petition of Sundry Inhabitants of the Southerly part of the
Town, Desiring That the South Bell may be Rung at the Hours
of Five, Nine, & One of the Clock, at the Towns Charge.
Read Again After Some Debate ihereon
The following Question was put, Viz'.
Quest. Whether it be Your Mind, That the South Bell should
be Rung, as desired in the said Petition, and at the Charge of the
Town ?
Voted, In the Affirmative.
Voted, To adjourn this Meeting 'till Nine of the Clock Tomorrow
Morning.
[148.] Wednesday Mar. 12'*" The Town being Assembled.
Voted, That Mr, John Smibert be Excused from Serving aa
Constable for reasons by him given.
Mess". Thomas Tyler &
Thomas Savage
Were Chosen Constables.
102 City Document No. 06.
Voted, That the Select Men be Surveyors of the High Ways,
the Year ensuing.
Upon the Motion of Mr. Jonathan Williams relating to his Care
of the Granary &c.
Voted, That Twenty Pounds be Allow'd and Paid to the said
Mr. Williams in Addition to his Salary (in Consideration of Ex-
traordinary Services) for the Year past.
Mess" Samuel Bleigh & ------- Excus'd
James Dolbeare
Were Chosen Constables.
The Moderator propos'd to the Town, to proceed to the Choice
of Ty thing-Men.
Voted, That the Sum of One Hundred Pounds be allow'd and
paid to Capt. James Watson, in Consideration of his Inspecting
the Market in Dock Square, from the time of His being Chosen
Clerk of the said Market, Until this Day.
Voted, That the Sum of Fifty Pounds be Allow'd and paid to
Capt. John Steel, in Consideration of his Inspecting the North
Market, from the Time of his being Chosen Clerk of the said
Market, until this Day.
Voted, That the Sum of One Hundred Pounds be Allow'd and
paid to Mr. Francis Willoughby. [149.] In Consideration of
his Inspecting the South Market, from the time of his being
Chosen Clerk of the said Market, until this Day.
Voted, To proceed to the Choice of a Clerk of the Market at
the vacant place on the Town Dock, by a Hand Vote.
Voted, That Capt. James Watson be Clerk of the Market, in
Dock Square.
Voted, To proceed to the Clioice of a Clerk of the Market at
the Southerly End of the Town, by a hand Vote.
Voted, That JNIr. Francis Willougliby be Clerk of the Market,
at the South End of the Town.
Voted, To proceed to the Choice of a Clerk of the Market at
the Northerly End of the Town, by a Hand Vote.
Voted, That Mr. John Foster "be Clerk of the Market at the
Open Space before and about the Old North Meeting House.
Voted, That thei'e shall be allow'd and paid after the Rate of Five
Pounds p Annum to each of the Three Sextons, For Ringing the
Bells at the time for Opening the Markets.
Voted, That the Three Bells be still Rung as usual at the time
of Opening the Market, the year Ensuing.
Voted, That the Several Accounts for Building the Market
Houses, now Exhibited by the Committee for Erecting them, be
Received by the Select Men, and that They Order Payment of the
Ballance remaining due by the said Accounts, Out of the Town
Treasury.
Voted, That the Thanks of the Town be Returned [150.] To
the Hon''^'' Thomas Fitch Esq"", and Others, the Committee for
Erecting Markets, for their great Care in Effecting the same.
Mr. Joseph Marion's Proposals Offered to the Town for their
Consideration, were Read ag°.
Voted, That the Select Men be desired to take Mr. Joseph
Boston Town Eecoeds, 1734- 103
Marion's Proposals into their Consideration, and Eeport to the
Town at tlieir next Meeting What, they think, may be proper for
them to do thereon.
A Motion of the Select Men made at the Opening of this Meet-
ing, relating to the Regulation of the Porters on the Town Dock,
being made again, and Considered.
Voted, To Chuse a Committee to take into Consideration the
said Motion, And that they malce Report to the Town, at the Ad-
journment of this Meeting, What they Think is pi'oper to be done
thereon.
Voted, That the said Committee Consist of Five Persons.
Voted, That Jacob Wendell Esq''.
Mr. John Walker
Samuel Sewall Esq'^.
Richard Bill Esq'', and
Mr. George Craddock,
be the said Committee.
Mess". Eliakim Hutchinson &
John Milliken ---------- Sworn.
"Were Chosen Constables.
Mr. Stephen Kent of the District of Rumney Marsh is Chosen
Haward, or Field Driver the Year ensuing.
[151.] Megs'"' Samuel Torrey (Fil. Job.) - Sworn.
Thomas Parker - - . Excus'd.
Were Chosen Constables.
Voted, To Adjourn this Meeting 'till Three of the Clock After-
noon.
The Town being Assembled.
Mr. John Rushton, was Chosen Constable - - - - Sworn.
Mess''\ Samuel Gardner, Joseph Wadsworta Esq'", and Timothy
Clark Esq''. A Committee Appointed to Enquire into the Encroach-
ment on the High Way round Wind Mill Point, Presented a Report.
"Which was Read. and is as follows. Viz'
We find Recorded, A Way laid out Fifty foot wide from Bull's
Corner to "Windmill point And the Flats Granted below on Con-
dition the Proprietors maintain s*^. Way the full breadth. We find
said Breadth narrows in several places by Buildings thereon. We
find another Way of Fifty foot wide laid out on the Beech, from
the High Way between Deacon Allin's and Abel Porter's, now
leading down to Mr. Hill's Wharf to meet the Other way at Wind-
mill point but on what part of said Beech, said way is laid
out is altogether Uncertain. We find some part of said Beech in-
cumber'd by Wharfing and Buildings and the other part Encroach'd
on by the Sea and washt away,
We therefore Propose, A Committee be Impowered, to Treat
with the Abutters on the Way laid out on the Beach, In Order to
lay out a Way fdiove the Beech, tho' not so wide as Fifty foot
which may better accommodate the Town with a smaller Charge
and less damage to the Abutters than to have the AVay Over the
Beech as Origin.-dly laid out. And Also Cause the Enci-oachments
on the Easterly Side of the Way to be removed, that so the Street
104 CiTr Document No. 6(5.
may have its full breadth of Fifty foot, And Report their dt>ings
thereon to the Town for their Approbation.
Samuel Gardner.
Boston March the Joseph Wadsworth.
12*1734/5 TiM° Clarke.
[153.] Voted, That the said Report be Accepted.
Voted, That the said Committee — Together with Mr. Jacob
Parker, and Capt. Benjamin Pollard be a Committee to lay Out
the High Way round Wind-Mill Point, According to the said
Report.
According to Order, The Representation, and Proposals of a
Number of Gentlemen Offered to the Consideration of the Inhab-
itants. As what they Apprehend will very much tend to prevent
the growing Charges of the Town, And be also a likely means of
Suppressing Vice and Immorality amongst Us, Read again.
And after Debate had thereon.
Voted, To Chuse a Committee to prepare a Scheme, or some
Proposals Agreeable to the said Representation &c. to be laid
before this Town for their Consideration — That so, the same,
if Approved of, may be presented to the Great and General Couit
at their next Session, In Order to Obtain An Act, to Augment the
Number of Over-seers of the Poor within this Town, And to
Encrease their Power, That the good ends mentioned in the said
Proposals may more Effectuallj^ be Attained.
Voted, That the Committee Consist of Five Persons.
Voted, That Samuel Welles Esq^
Ezekiel Lewis Esq''.
Edward Hutchinson Esq^
Capt. Samuel Greenwood, and
Samuel Adams Esq''.
be the said Committee Who are desired to make their
Report at the Adjournment of this Meeting.
The Select Men presented a Report of the Visitation of the
Public Schools within the Town — Which was Read.
[153.] Voted, To Refer the Consideration of Raising Money
(to defray the necessarj^ Charges of the year ensuing) to the next
General Town Meeting.
Voted, To Adjourn this Meeting to Thursday the 20* of March,
current. At 3 of the Clock, afternoon.
Thursday, Mar 20* The Town being Assembled.
Samuel Welles Esq'' from the Committee Appointed the 12*
instant. On the Proposals for Preventing the growing Charges of
the Town &c. Presented a Report which was Read To-
gether with the Draught of An Address to the General Court
For the Town's Consideration
After Debate thereon
Voted, To Chuse Two Persons to be added to the former Com-
mittee— Who are Desired to Receive the Papers again. And to
Prepare a Scheme, or Draught of Rules and Orders for the Gov-
erment of the Workhouse propos'd ; And to Endeav''. to Obtain a
Subscription towards Erecting the said Work-House, and defray-
BosTox To^v^s^ Eecoeds, 1735. 105
ing the Charges thereof And that They Report thereon at
the next Town Meeting.
Voted, that Elisha Cooke Esq"" and
Jacob Wendell Esq"^.
be added to the Committee aforesaid.
Voted, that the said Committee be also Desired to project a
Model of the Work House propos'd to be Erected, And to make
an Estimate of the Charge thereof. And lay them before the Town
at the same Time.
Jacob Wendell Esq'', from the Committee appointed the 12* in-
stant, to whom was referr'd the Consideration of Proposals for the
better Eegulation of the Porters on the Town Dock, &c. Pre-
sented their Report Which being Read.
Voted, That the same be Accepted.
Voted, That the Select Men be Desired to bring forward the
Affair, So as to Obtain An Act of the General Court, for [154.]
The Regulation of the Porters as aforesaid. Agreeable to the said
Report.
Voted, That the sum of One Hundred and Fifty Pounds be
allow'd and paid out of the Town Treasury to Joseph Wadsworth
Esq'", the Town Treasurer for his good Service in that Office the
year past.
Voted, That Isaac Lewis of Rumney Marsh be Haward or Field
Driver, the 3ear ensuing in the Room of Stephen Kent, Who is
Excused from that Service.
Voted, That John Cravath be One of the Clerks of the Market,
in the Room of John Wood, who refuses to serve in that Office.
Who was accordingly Sworn.
Voted, That Nine pence upon the Pound be allowed and paid,
to the Collectors of Rates and Taxes, for the year Ensuing ; They
giving Sufficient Security to the Satisfaction of the Select Men.
Voted, That, Samuel Sewall Esq^
Mess'■^ Charles Apthorp,
George Craddock,
Nathaniel Cunningham, and
Joseph Marion,
be a Committee to Audit the Town Treasurer Accompts for the
Year Current Who are to see that the several Draughts upon
the Town Treasurer are Agreeable to Law, Or the Town Votes.
Then the Meeting was Dismist.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston, duly Qualified & Lawfully Warned, being regu-
larly Assembled in Public Town Meeting, at the Town House,
Upon Tuesday the 1''. April, 1735
Voted, That Elisha Cooke Esq"^ be Moderator of [155.] The
Present Meeting.
Voted, That the Select Men of the Town for the Time being,
be Impowered to Defend for the Town in all Actions brought
against them by Ichabod Paddock & Others, And now depending
in tlie Inferior Court of Common Plens in Boston, And to pur-
sue the same to final judgment and execution.
Then the Meeting was Dismist.
106 City Document No. ()Q.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders, and Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston, duly Qualified, and Warned according to Law,
being regularly Assembled in Public Town Meeting, at the Town
House, Upon Wednesday May, 7^^. 1735.
After Prayer by the Reverend Mr. Mather,
Sundry Laws were Read.
The Select Men inform'd the Town as follows. Viz'.
That by the Laws of this Province, the Power of Regulating this
Meeting for the Choice of Representatives is vested in the Select-
Men Yet if the Town think it best to Chuse a Moderator,
The Select Men Consent to it, Saving to themselves the Right of
giving directions for the more regular and orderly carrying on the
Affairs of said Meeting, Which bj- the laws they are cloathed
with.
Upon which The Question was put. Whether the Town would
now proceed to the Choice of a Moderator?
Voted in the Affirmative.
The Votes for a Moderator being Collected, it appeared, That
Elislia Cooke Esq"", was Chosen Moderator of the present Meeting,
by a Majority of Votes.
Several Petitions were Read, and Motions made
[156.] Viz'. A Petition of Sundry Inhabitants, for a Floor at
the South Market Place Read.
Mr. John Procter's Petition, for Addition to his
Salary Read.
The Select Men made a Motion respecting the
High Way in Rumney Marsh, leading thro'
Capt. Oliver's Farm ; Which They Repre-
sented, might be more conveniently removed,
a little to the left hand going to Lynn, the
Bottom being better for a High Road.
Voted, To Proceed to the Choice of Four Representatives.
Mr. Thomas Cushing desiring liberty to speak. It was voted,
That he should have liberty so to do.
The Votes for Four Representatives being Collected, the Number
of Voters were found to be- - - - - 517.
And upon Sorting them, it appear'd that the following Gentlemen
were duly Elected, by a Major part of the Voters Viz'.
Elisha Cooke Esq'' Numb'' of Votes 373.
Mr. Oxenbridge Thacher 303.
Mr. Thomas Cushing Jun'". -------- 464.
Mr. Timothy Prout 328.
Voted, To Adjourn this Meeting, 'till Three of the Clock,
Afternoon.
The Town being Assembled
Samuel Welles Esq"" from the Committee appointed the 12th and
20th of March last, On the Proposals to prevent the growing
Charges of the Town, Signified to the Town, That the Committee
were not prepared to make their Report on that Affair. Where-
fore,
Voted, That the said Affair be referr'd to the next Town
Boston Towx Kecords, 1735. 107
Meeting; And the Committee are desired [157,] To make their
Report at the said Meeting.
A Petition of sundry Inhabitants of the Southerly part of
Boston, ISlaewing tlie inconvenience which attends the South
Market, for want of a Floor to the Market House Read,
And Accordingly.
Voted. — That the Market House at the South End of the
Town be Floored, the better to accommodate the Said Market and
those that frequent the same.
The Petition of Capt. Daniel Pecker, &c. Collectors of the
Taxes within the Town of Boston, for the year 1734 Read,
Voted, That the Prayer of the Petitioners -be Granted. And
the Assessors are accordingly allowed to sit 'till the latter End of
Jul}' next, in Order to make such Abatements on the Rates and
Taxes, as to them may seem just and reasonable.
Timothy Clark Esq'', from the Committee Appointed at the
Meeting in March last. On the Petitions for Paving in several
Streets, Who were to View the Places, and Compute the Charge
Presented their Report. "Which Being Read.
Voted, That the Sum of Three Hundred Pounds be Raised and
Improved, in Paving, as the Select Men shall direct and Order ; in
Repairing the High Way on Boston Neck, And at Rumney Marsh.
The Select Men, to whom was referr'd the Consideration of Mr.
Marions Proposals, As Entred the 10th March last Made Report,
Which, together with the said Proposals, were Read And
are as Follows, Viz'.
To the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of
Boston, in Town Meeting regularly Assembled, March the
10th. 1734.
The Subscriber Exhibits the following Proposals for the
Towns Consideration, •/. Viz'.
[158.] Imp"". That all Deeds, Leases, Releases, and Instru-
ments in Writing made and Executed by the Select Men of the
said Town in their said Capacity or the Town Treasurer in his
said Capacity be Registred by the Town Clerk in a Book of
Records to be specially kept for that purpose B3' which
Means, a few Hours ma}' discover a Hundred years Transactions,
When much time may be spent in Searching for Papers on File
Which Files are liable to be Mislay'd, or lost, Of
which this Town has a Memorable Instance in the loss of a Paper
of the greatest concern to the Town
2. That the Books and Files of Papers relating to the Town
Treasurers Office, be kept in the Town House in Boston, and not
in a Private House.
3. That the Town Clerk be directed to wait on Mrs; Prout
Relict Widow of Mr. Joseph Prout formerly Town Clerk of this
Town, And Demand and Receive of her all such Files and Papers
that are now in her Custody of Right Appertaining to the Town.
4. That as the Release of Mr. Blackston the First Proprietor
of the Town of Boston, made by him to the said town is now on
File in the Town Clerk's Office, as also the Indian Deeds to the
Select Men Tliat the Said Release and Deeds be Registred
108 City Document No. 66.
by the Town Clerk in his said Office, That so the Town may
have Recourse to the same when there may be Occasion
therefor
5. That the Several Reports of Committees and Proposals
for some time past laid before this Town be Collected and Read to
the Town in their present Meeting, That so the Town may know
what has been done thereon, And how far farther they may
Judge meet to proceed therein.
6. That as a Certain Lease from this Town [159.] To Mr.
Henry Hill Distiller late Deceased, is now on File in the Town
Clerks Office, Wherein the Town Leased to Mr. Hill the Land
on which Hill's Still House and "Wharf (so called) now stands
with the Land adjoyning thereto (near Wind Mill point) for a
small Quit Rent, Which Lease is long since Expired and as yet is
uncancell'd That therefore the said Lease be produced and
Read in this present Meeting, That so this Matter may Appear in
a true light. That the Town Right may not be stifled, Nor the
Town stript of its just due.
7. That as about Eight years since the Charge for the Support
and Maintenance of the Poor of the Town amounted only to the
Sum of Eight Hundred pounds p Annum, And the Expence is now
Arisen to the Sum of Twenty five Hundred pounds p Annum
It is therefore Proposed, That the Gentlemen the Overseers of the
Poor lay before the Town this Present Meeting an Accompt of the
Chargeon the Public Poor maintained in the Almes House, And
an Accompt of the Expence on the Private Poor Supported out of
the Almes House Separate and distinct for the year past.
8. That there be a Committee specially Appointed to make
strict Enquiry into the Ability and Learning of the Masters of the
Free Writing Schools within this Town, and what Pi-oficiency the
Children under their Cai-e have made, or are like to attain in
Reading, Writing and Arithmetick For as the want of Able and
Accurate Masters in the Initiating Youth in the Rudiments of
Learning will prove fatal and prevent the true design of Education
It is therefore hoped that as this Town has appeared Gen-
erous in the Encouraging Learning and good Literature, it will
ever be Supply'd with School Masters Equal to such an Excellent
Employment, And that they may be duly and honourably Encour-
aged. All which is Submitted
p Jos. Marion.
[160.] Upon the Proposals of Mr. Jos. Marion Offer'd to
the Town at the Town Meeting in March past, which was referr'd
to the Select Men to Report what they thought proper to be done
thereon They having maturely Considered the same, are of
Opinion, As follows.
1. That the First Article be complied with.
2. That the Second Article be complied with, Except the Book
in which the Treasurer keeps the Town's Accounts, Which
We think necessar}' should be left with the Treasurer.
3. That the Third Article was perform'd y® last Fall.
4. That the Fourth Article be complied with.
Boston Towi^ Records, 1735. 109
5. That the Fifth Article was complied with, at the Town
Meeting in March last.
6. That AVe have made strict Inquiry into the Laud referr'd to
in the Sixth Article, And are of Ophiiou, that Mr. Hill's
Title is clear.
7. That the Seventh Article be complied with.
On the Eighth Article, We Report, That the Town has
always been in the practice of Appointing a Committee
for that Service.
Boston Apr. 7. 1735. John Jeffries
Joshua Wixslow.
William Downe.
Edward Bromfield. }>Select-
JoNATHAN Armitage Men.
Alexander Forsyth
David Collson.
Upon Consideration of the Sixth Article in Said Proposals, and
some Debate ensuing thereupon. It was
Voted That the Select Men be desired, to take the Affair of Mr.
Hill's Lease, contained in the Sixth Article of the said Proposals
under [161,] Further Consideration; And that They Examin,
Whether the Land now in the Possession of Mr. Hill, as to bounds
&c. be the Land Granted to Henry Allen the 2oth. 11th M° 1663.
As Eutred with the Records of Boston, Lib° 2. FoP 14 & 16.
Voted, That the Report of the Select Men Upon Mr. iNIarion's
Proposals, be Accepted Excepiing the Sixth Article, which
is recommitted to them for further Consideration thereon, as above.
The Report of a Committee appointed the 10"^ Mar. last, to lay
Out the High Way round Wind Mill point Read And
thereupon.
Voted. That the Affair of the High Way round Windmill point
be referr'd for further Consideration to the next Town Meeting
And in the mean time the Select Men are desired to View
the same, And that They Endeavour to Agree with the Abutters
on the said Way, In Order to have the same laid out, so as may
best Accommodate the Inhabitants And that They Report
thereon, at the ;:ext Town Meeting.
Upon the Petition of Mr. John Procter, Master of the Free Writing
School at the North Fnd : Praying for an Addition to his Salary for
Reasons therein given. Read again, And In Considei'ation
of the said Mr. Procter's extraordinary Ability, Care, and Dili-
gence in bringing forward the Youth under his Tuition, in the Arts
of Writing, Arithmetick &c. the excellent economy of his Scliool,
And the Ciovernment thereof. As well as the Great Number of his
Scholars.
Voted, That the Sum of Fifty Pounds be added to his Salary for
this Year : To Commence the Tliirteenth of June next ensuing.
The Select Men made a Motion relating to Frauds in Cording
of Wood, Whereby the Inhabitants are greatly [163.] Injured,
And of which there are frequent Complaints.
Voted- That the Select Men be Desired strictly to Enquire into
this Affair; And Report at the next Town Meeting, their Opinion
110 City Document No. 66.
thereon, And what Method may be taken to prevent the same, in
Time to come.
Jacob Wendell Esq'', made a Motion, which was Seconded, Re-
specting the Waste-Lands of the Province, Viz'. That the Rep-
resentatives of Boston might have Instructions to Use their best
Endeavours to Obtain from the Great and Geueral Court, A Grant
of some of the Said Lands to the Town of Boston.
Voted, To Chuse a Committee to whom this Affair may be
Referr'd.
Voted, That the Committee Consist of Three Persons.
Voted, That Samuel Welles P:sq^
Jacob Wendell Esq^ and
Mr. Andrew Tyler
be the said Committee ; Who are Desired to take this Affair into
Consideration, And make Report to the Town at their next Meet-
ing, What Method may be best taken, in Order to Obtain Such a
Grant.
The Select Men Inform'd the Town, That within the Space of
Fourteen Months last past -More than Nine Hundred and
Fifty Births and Deaths within this Town, have not been Registred
in the Town Clerk's Office, as the Law directs Which
Neglect of the Inhabitants, may prove to be ill consequence to
their Posterity, in time to come.
[163.] Voted, A Grant of Seven Thousand Eight Hundred
Pounds, to be Raised by a Tax on Polls and Estates within the
Town of Boston, for Relief of the Poor, and defraying Other nec-
essary Charges, arising within, and for the said Town the Year
Ensuing.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned, to Wednesday the 21**
Currant, at Three of the Clock Afternoon.
The Town being Assembled.
The Select Men Reported on the Petition of Mr. Sendal Wil-
liams ; Which was Read
Voted, That the said Report be Accepted
Samuel Welles Esq', from the Committee, to whom was Re-
ferr'd, the Consideration of the Motion for a Petition to the
General Court, for a Grant of Land to the Town of Boston
Reported thereon. Which was Read, As follows Viz'.
The Committee, to whom was referr'd the Consideration
of the Motion for a Petition to the General Assembly,
for a Grant of Land to the Town of Boston &c. Report
as follows. Viz'.
That they have prepared, and now humbly Present to the Town,
for their Consideration, the form of a Petition, to be preferred to
the Great and General Court or Assembly, at their Session the
28th. Current, The Committee have also obtained Copys of the
Grant, Survey and Return of One Thousand Acres of Land for
the Free School of Boston which are also herewith laid before the
Town. Jacob Went)ell
Samuel Welles
Andrew Tvl'-:r
Boston Town Eecords, 1Y35. Ill
[164.] And also Preseutecl the Draught of a Petition to the
General Court for the Towns Consideration Which was Read.
Voted, That this Report be Accepted, And also. That the Peti-
tion therewith Exhibited, Which has been Considered and Ap-
proved, be Accoixlingly Presented to the Great and General Court
or Assembly, at their Session the 28 Curr'. in Order to Obtain a
Grant of Land to the Town of Boston, for the Ends set forth and
Expressed in said Petition.
Voted, That the Select Men be Desired, and Directed in behalf
of the Town of Boston, to Sign the Said Petition, and Present it
to the Great and General Court, at the Session of said Court the
28* currant.
Sarnuel Welles Esq'", in the Name of the Committee, to whom
was Referr'd the Consideration of Proposals to Prevent the grow-
ing Charges of the Town, Presented their Report, together with
the Draught of a Petition to the General Court for the Towns
Consideration, &c. Which were Read And the Report is
as follows, Viz'.
The Committee to whom was Referr'd the Consideration of
the Proposals for lessening the growing Charge of the
Town &c. Report as follows, Viz'.
That there be a Work House Erected, in some convenient Place
which the Town shall Agree upon Of the form and Dimen-
sions contained in a Draught, or proposals for it herewith pre-
sented ; Which House, the Committee find by the' Judgment of
able Workmen, will Cost upwards of Two Thousand Seven Hun-
dred Pounds ; And are of Opinion, that the Charge of the [165.]
Furniture and Stock necessary, Will amount to near Eight Hun-
dred Pounds more, in the whole about Three Thousand Five Hun-
dred Pounds, For defraying of which Charge they have Obtained
Subscriptions from Charitable and well disposed Persons, for a
considerable sum; towards defraying the Charge. ■ — The
Committee further Propose, That the Great and General Assem-
bly be Address'd, at their Sessions the 28th. instant, in the form
of a Petition, herewith laid before the Town. All which is humbly
Submitted, By Samuel Welles,
Boston May 20. iu the name and by Order of
1735. the Committee.
Voted, That the Report of the Said Committee be Accepted
And also. That the Petition therewith Exhibited, Which
has been considered and Approved, be Signed by the Select Men,
in behalf of the Town, And that the}' be Desired, and Directed
to Present the said Petition to the Great and General Court, at
their Session the 28"*. of May, Currant, in Order to Obtain of them,
An Act agreeable to the Desire of the Town, set forth therein.
Votefl, That the Select Men be Desired to Visit the several
Public Schools in this Town, taking with them such Gentlemen
to Accompany them. As They shall think proper.
Jacob Wendell Esq^ Inform'd the Town, That the Overseers of
the Poor had, for some time past, taken Care to Provide Preach
ing at the Aims-House, on the Lord's Day.
Then the Meeting was Dismist.
112 City Document No. 66.
[166.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston duly Qualified and Warned according
to Law, being regularly Assembled in Publick Town Meeting at
the Town House, Upon Tuesday, Aug. 5. 1735.
Voted, That tlie Hon*^'^ Elisha Cooke Esq', be the Moderator of
the Present Meeting.
Who being luforra'd of the Choice Return'd, That He
could not Serve the Town at this time.
The Town then pi'oceeded And,
Voted, That Mr Thomas Gushing, Jun'". be tne Moderator of
this Meeting, in the Room of Elisha Cooke Esq"".
A Petition of Sundry Inhabitants Abutters on Sea Street,
Read.
A Petition of John Bowles, Thomas Tilestone and Seven Others,
Representatives of several Towns within the County of Suffolk
preferr'd to the Great and General Court Praying, That Bos-
ton may be a County by itself. And the Country Towns in
the Count}'^ of Suffolk a County by themselves — Read.
Upon a Motion made and Seconded — Viz'. That the Town
would now proceed to the Choice of Jurors The Question
was Accordingly propos'd to the Town, And
Voted, In the Negative.
Voted, To Chuse a Committee to Draw up an Answer to the
Petition of John Bowles, Thomas Tilestone, and Others, Represen-
tatives of several of the Towns in the County of Suffolk, for mak-
ing Boston a County by itself And to set forth therein the
best Reasons and Arguments they can against the same.
Voted, That the said Committee consist of Five Persons.
[167.] Voted, That John Read Esq-".
Mr. Joseph Marion.
William Stoddard Esq"".
John Fayerweather Esq'', and
Robert Auchmuty Esq'',
be this Committee. Who are Desired to make their Report, at
the Adjournment of this Meeting.
The Report of the S-elect Men, relating to the High Way leading
Round Wind-Mill Point — Read. Which is as follows, Viz'.
Pursuant to a Vote of the Inhabitants of Boston in Town Meeting
the 7"^. of May last past, desiring Us to View the High Way
round Wind-Mill Point, And to agree with the Abutters on
said Way, So as to have it laid out in the best manner for ac-
commodating the Inhabitants.
We have accordingly attended that Service, And treated with
Mess" Joseph Marion and William Wheeler jun'' (the Abutters)
And have mutually Agreed to Offer to the Town as follows. Viz'.
That in lieu of the Old Way, the Way be now laid out at the
bottom of South-Street, Seven feet and half from the South East
Corner of said Wheeler's House, So as to run Nine feet to the
Southward of Wheeler's rough-cast House unto the Divisional Line
between Mr. Marion and Mr. Wheeler, And then to run on a
Sloping line along to the Eastward Corner of the House formerly
James Townsend's now enjoyed by Mr. Joseph Marion Carrying
Boston Town Records, 1735. 113
all the way the breadth of Thhty five feet, So as to joyn the High
Way leading to Bull's Wharf ; The which Way, Mess""^ Marion and
Wheeler have Agreed to make a convenient High Way as above
fur the Use of the Town, and to keep and maintain it in good
Repair, Open, Free, and Unincumber'd, at their o^vn proper cost
and charge forever. All which is Submitted by.
Boston, John Jeffries. Jon*^ Armitage. '\
Aug. o'''. WiLL^ Downe. David Collson. y Select Men.
1735. Edw. Bromfield. Alex^ Forsyth)
[168.] Voted, That the said Report be Accepted.
And,
At the Instance and Desire of Mess"^^ Joseph Marion and Will-
iam Wheeler jun^ being Present, This Minute is Entred, Viz'. That
They Consent to. Promise, and Oblige themselves their Heirs and
Assigns, to perform their part According to the Report of the
Select Men, now Accepted-
Voted, That this Minute be Entred in the Records of Boston
accordingly.
The Report of the Select Men, relating to the Affair of Mr.
Hill's Lease Read. And is as follows. Viz*.
Pursuant to the above Vote, We have taken the Affair of Mr.
Hill's Lease under further Consideration, And are still of Opinion,
That Mr. Hill's Title is clear ; It being, as We apprehend, Part of
the Land formerly in the Possession of Mr. William Teft, And by
the Heirs of the said Teft recover'd out of the Towns Hands by a
Judgment of the Superior Court in May, 1705.
We are also of Opinion, That the Land now in the Possession
of Mr. Hill, is the Land Leased to Henry Allen, referr'd to in said
Vote, as far as We are capable of Judging.
Boston, John Jeffries. Jon"^ Armitage ") o i j.
Aug. 5. WiLL^ DowNE David Collson y ^r
1735. Edw Bromfield. Alex^ Forsyth J
Voted, That the said Report be Accepted.
The Report of the Select Men, relating to Frauds in Cording of
Wood Read
And is as follows. Viz'
Pursuant to the Above Vote, We have Considered the same,
And are of Opinion, That if Two pence p Cord be allowed to the
[169.] Sealers, and they be Obliged to Attend their Duty, so as to
View and Seal each Range of Wood, as it is Corded, Or as the
Carts take it off the Wharf, it will be a Means of Preventing the
Injuries Complained of
Boston, John Jeffries. Jon^*- Armitage. "| s i f
July 23. Will*' Downe. Alex'' Forsyth. [ -x/i '
1735. Edw. Bromfield. David Collson. j
The Question being put, Viz'. Whether this Report Should be
Accepted ?
Voted, In the Negative.
Upon a Motion of the Overseers of the Poor, for Providing
Preaching at the Alms House.
Voted, To Chuse a Committee to wait upon the Reverned the
114 City Document No. 66.
Ministers of the Town, And to Desire They would take their Turns in
Preaching the Gospel to the Poor in the Alms House.
Voted, That Jacob Wendell Esq''.
John Ruck Esq''.
Henry Bering Esq"".
William Tyler Esq"".
John Hunt Esq'.
Capt. Samuel Greenwood.
Capt. Jeffery Bedgood, and
Mr. Thomas Hubbard,
Overseers of the Poor, together w* Samuel Welles Esq'.
be the Said Committee.
Voted, That the Overseers of the Poor be desired to Continue
the Reverend Mr. John Adams in Preaching to the Poor in the
Alms House, Until the mind of the Ministers of the Town On this
Affair be Reported to the Town by the said Committee at the
Adjournment of this Meeting.
The Town proceeded to Consider, What might be proper for
them further to do towards setting up a Work House And,
The Act of the Great and General Court or Assembly For
Employing and Providing for the Poor of the Town of Boston
being Read.
[170,] Voted, That the further Consideration of this Affair
be deferr'd, until the Adjournment of this Meeting. And
The Gentlemen the Committee are Desired in the mean time to
make what Progress They can in Obtaining Subscriptions for
Erecting a Work House And That They Report thereon to
the Town at the Adjournment of this Meeting.
. Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Fryday the 15'^ of
August Current, At Three of the Clock, afternoon.
August, 15'\ 1735.
The Town being Assembled according to Adjournment.
Mr. Joseph Marion from the Committee Appointed to Draw up
a&,Ans,\\^r to the Petition of John Bowles, Thomas Tilestone, and
Others, As Entred the 5th. of August instant. Presented the same
^ W'hich being Read,
Voted, That a Number of Gentlemen be Chosen and Added to
this Committee, And That they take this Affair under further
Consideration, And anew Draught the Answer to the Said Petition,
and lay tlie same before the Town, for their Consideration.
Voted, That the Number be three.
Voted, That Mess" Nathanael Cunningham.
Thomas Cushing, Jun'. &
Samuel Welles Esq'.
be accordingly Added to the former Committee.
The Town entring upon the Consideration of some passages in
the Draught presented by the Committee, and after debate thereon.
[171.] The following Questions were put. Viz'.
Quest. 1. Whether it be the mind of the Town That the Com-
mittee, in new draughting the Answer to said Petition, be Silent,
As to Jurys giving Special Verdicts ?
Boston Town Records, 1735. 115
Voted, 111 the Affirmative.
Quest. 2. Whether it be the mind of the Town, That the said
Committee in their new Draught Should insert anj' thing that may
have a Tendency towards Raising the Salar3's, or Fees of those
that are in the Administration of Justice?
Voteil, In the Negative.
Jacob "Wendell Esq" from the Commiitee appointed to wait upon
the Reverend the Ministers of the Town, As Entred the 5th
instant, Reported, That They had Accordingly Attended that
Service And also laid before the Town, A Letter to the
Committee, Signed, Benjamin Colman, In the Name of the Asso-
ciated Pastors. Which was Read. And is as follows, Viz'.
Boston, August, 14. 1735.
To the Honourable the Committee, chosen by the Town, at
their Meeting on the Fifth of this IMonth, to Desire the
Ministers of the Town to take their Turns in Preaching
the Gospel to the Poor in the Aims-House.
Gentlemen
The Ministers of the Town have this Day Considered
of the Towns Desire, and hold Themselves Obliged, wherein they
are able [173.] To Minister unto the Poor of the Town in
General, and to the poor People in the Aims-House in particular,
as well as unto Those of their respective Flocks. And altho' We
should have been Well pleased, if the Town had seen good to have
Continued the Worthy and Reverend Mr. Adams in the Service of
Said House ; being a Person in Our Esteem excellently Spirited
to have Served the Poor there with all Humility of mind. And to
have naturally cared for their Souls ; Yet We submit to the Plens-
ure of the Town Signified to us in their late Vote, So far as may
Consist with our other Pastoral Duties to the Flocks to which we
stand related.
We think it proper at the same Time to remind the Freeholders
and other Inhabitants of the Town,
That after our best Cares and Endeavours in Times past to
Preach in our Turns to the Poor in the Aims-House, We have
seldom been Able to go thro' Our courses : And now. Some of
Your Ministers are more Advanced in Years, And others labouring
under Bodily Infirmities, And three of Our Number are alone in
the Pastoral Offices, And therefore cannot so well Undertake to
Serve in their Turns, as is Desired :
Nevertheless, the most that can be Expected of Us, Under
these disabling Circumstances, Will, We trust, be willingly
rendered by Us (by the Help of God) if the Town .should
not be perswaded to Think, As We do. That the Concerns
of the precious Souls of these poor People would be better
Serv'd l)y the Ministry of some Suitable Person Statedly
Em|)lov'd among them.
We do Ourselves the Honour [173.] Humbly to Subscribe, As
in Duty bound.
Your Servants for Jesus Sake,
Benjamin Colman
In the Name of the Associated Pastors.
116 City Document No. QQ.
Upon the Affair of Erecting a Work House and after some
Debate thereon.
Voted, That the farther Consideration thereof be referr'd to the
Next Town Meeting, And in Order thereto, That it be incerted in
the Warrant for CalliDg the same, And the Committee are
Desired in the mean time, to go forward with the Subscriptions
therefor.
Then the Meeting was dismist.
At a Meeting of the Freeliolders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston, duly Qualified and Warned according to Law,
being regularly Assembled in Public Town Meeting, at the Town
House, upon Monday, December, 1st. 1735.
Voted, That the Hon''^^ Elisha Cooke Esq" be the Moderator of
the present Meeting.
The Select Men made the following Motion, Viz' That Application
be made to the Great and General Court, in Order to Obtain an
Abatement of the heavy Tax which is laid upon the Town of
Boston.
Voted Unanimously, That the Select Men be desired to Prepare
something relating to the Motion by them now made, and lay it
before the Town at the next Town Meeting, for their Considera-
tion, and [174.] That the said Motion be Inserted in the Warrant
for Callino- said Meetins;.
The Report of a Committee appointed the 5th and 15th of
August last past, to Draw up an Answer to the Petition of John
Bowles, Tho\ Tileston and Others, For making Boston a County
by it self, being Presented, and Read as follows, Viz'.
") To His Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esq''. Cap-
Province of I tain General & Governour in Chief, The Hon*^^^.
the Massachu- )- the Council and Hon'^^'^. House of Representatives
setts Bay Sc. | in General Court Assembled at Boston the 19"*
J Nov. 1735.
The Answer of the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston to the
Petition of several Representatives in and of the County of Suf-
folk for dividing the County of Suffolk and making Boston a
County by it self, with their Reasons against it.
The Inhabitants of the Town of Boston are Humbly of Opinion,
That it's most Advantageous both for them and also for the Rest
of the Towns of that County to be held in One County still, upon
Several Aceompts.
I. For the Ends of Friendship, Trade, and Business. For these
Common and Usual Assemblys of the Courts in Boston, Gives Men
decent Opportunitys for Friendly Society and Matters of Trade and
Business, and certainly Unites us more in Our Affection, and
promotes our Mutual Interest and Wealth.
II. For the Ends of Justice, and Law Because [175.]
1". The more we are United, the more Uniform and. steady will
the Rules of Justice in Onr Courts be, For all men do not
Apprehend things alike, Different Courts will have different
Apprehensions in particular Cases, and that will Naturally breed
different Rules of Justice upon particular Circumstances, and this
Boston Town Eecoeds, 1735. 117
tends to Render Justice unsettled and precarious in the several
Places, When as if these several Courts were United, most
probably the Truth would prevail, and the Rules of Justice be
more steady, and this plainl}^ appears in the strong and Steady
Administi'ation of Justice in the Supream Courts of the Kingdom.
21y. The more We are United, the more Our Judges, by the
Recompeuce now allowed them, will be Enabled to Study the Law
And furnish themselves still further with Power agreeable to their
Place and Duty. Their Business and Office requires a steady
Application Not only to the immediate administration of Justice
in the several Sessions of Our Courts But to the Books of
the Law, to Instruct their minds and form their Judgments, That
their Administrations of Justice may be the more conformable to
the Universal Reason of all Mankind. Now the bigger our
Counties are, the more Contracted will the Business be, the Fees
and Prolits of the Judges be shared among the fewer, And the
more Business dispatch'd in less time and that continued without
interruption and wasteful vacancys interposed.
As to the Reasons for Dividing the County, We Humbly
Conceive them to be of no weight.
For Instance,
1^' The Charge, they say, is great in the long Attendance of Wit-
nesses and Jurors, Especially at the Superiour Court. But the
Remedy is Easy and plain, Namely, That there be Four Terms of
the Superiour Court in a Year, wliich is now come to be of abso-
lute Necessity, and will be found a vast advantage to Common
Justice and [176.] Right, and if need be the Justices of that
Court upon a Motion can set the Days of Tryal for such Actions
as specially need it, at the beginning of the Court and put up the
Actions every day for Tryal that day. And by this means the At-
tendance of Witnesses and Jurors, will be Eased Sufficiently for
many years, And it is but to Order more Jurys to Attend the
Court at several times. As is constantly done by the best
Ordered Courts of the Nation, And they may Attend as short a
Time as shall be desired, tho' the Courts be ever so long.
21y. The Business of Boston, they saj", is very different from
that of the Country, whereby Cases may be determined wrong for
want of Understanding, particularly of Charter-partys and other
Affairs of Trade.
But this seerns to be a very indigested Reason, For All these
Actions are Transitory and may be laid in any County ; And
therefore by Dividing the County, 111 designing Men Shall have an
Advantage to Carry their Actions into the dark, when they please.
And by a special Provision and Establishment of Law.
Wherefore, We are Humbly of Opinion It will always
best Serve the Intentions of Justice to have Jurys composed of
Men of Probity', and good Understanding, Capable to receive, and
digest the Arguments of the several Councils, And particular Ob-
servations of the Judges upon the whole. And withal Severally
Acquainted with the several Affairs that may come before them,
That they may Assist and Aid One another, in every Matter to be
Tryed by them.
118 City Document No. 66.
Wherefore, Upon the whole the Inhabitants of Boston are
Humbly of Opinion, That it is not for the Wealth, and
Welfare of the People to have [177.] This County divided
And therefore Pray it may not.
Humbly Presented to the Town by Us of
the Committee for that Purpose.
John Read.
Jos. Marion.
W** Stoddard
John Fayerweatukr
Samuel Welles.
Nath^, Cunningham
Thomas Cushing Jun^.
Voted, That the said Report be Accepted And That the
Select Men be Desired to Present the Same, when fairly trans-
cribed. To the Great and General Court, As the Reasons of the
Town of Boston against Dividing the County of Suffolk.
A Petition of Sundry Inhabitants of the Northerly part of the
Town, Praying, that a floor may be laid in the Market place there,
for Reasons mentioned in Said Petition, Read.
Voted, That the Prayer of the Petitioners be Granted, And That
the Select Men be Desired to take care to have the same Effected,
at the Charge of the Town.
Then the Meeting was Dismist.
[178.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitaiits
of the Town of Boston, duly qualified and warned according to
Law, being regularly AssemlDled in Public Town-Meeting, at the
Town-House, on Monday, Dec. 29. 1735,
Voted, That the Hon'^'^^ Elisha Cooke Esq'', be Moderator of the
present Meeting.
The Select-Men (Agreeable to a Vote of the Inhabitants the
first instant) laid before the Town, the Heads of a Petition, which
They thought might be proper to be Presented to the General
Court, to move them to make an Abatement Of the heavy Tax
laid on the Town this present year.
Voted, To Chuse a Committee to draw up a Memorial or Peti-
tion to the Great and General Court, for an Abatement of the Tax
laid on the Town this Year -And lay the same before the
Town at the Adjournment of this Meeting, for their Consideration.
Voted, That the Number of this Committee be Five. Ac-
cordingly
Voted, That Capt. Nathanael Cunningham,
Mr. Andrew Tyler
Mr. John Walker
Capt. John Steel, and
Mr. Nathanael Balston
be the Committee for the Ends aforesaid.
Voted, That the Select Men and Assessors be, and hereby are
Desired to Assist the said Committee in the Affair.
Upon a Motion made and Seconded relating to Reviewing the
Actions I'espectiug the Town Dock.
Boston Town Records, 1735. 119
[1*79. J Voted, That the Affair of bringing forward a Review-
in the Cases relating to the Town Dock, be Referr'd to the Con-
sideration of the Inhabitants at their Annual Town-Meeting in
March next.
The Petition of Several of the Inhabitants, presented to the
Select Men Pra3'ing, That the state of the long Wharf may be
duly Examined into, and Enquiry made. Whether or no, the Right
of the Inhabitants of this Town relating to the same, has not been
notoriously Violated, And that some Methods may be pursu'd to
prevent the like Impositions for the Future. Read.
A Question was accordingly put to the Town Viz'. Whether
The}' would proceed to the Choice of a Committee for the End set
forth in the said Petition ?
Voted, In the Affirmative.
Voted, That the Number of the Committee be Five.
Voted, That Edward Hutchinson Esq"^.
Capt. John Steel
Mr. Thomas Gushing Jun"".
Capt. Nathanael Cunningham, and
William Clark Esq--.
be a Committee for the Ends aforesaid.
Voted, That the said Committee Report to the Town on this
Affair, at their Annual Meeting, in March next.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Thursday next, at
Four of the Clock, after Noon.
The Town being Assembled
Capt. Nathanael Cunningham from the Committee appointed
the 29"" of Dec. last past, to Draw up A Memorial, or Petition to
the General Court, relating to the heavy Tax laid on the Town,
Presented the same, Which was Read And is as follows,
Viz'.
[180,] To His Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esq"" Captain
General and Governoiir in Chief The Honourable the
Council and the Hon"^^^ House of Representatives of His
Majesty's Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New
England, in General Court Assembled, the first day of
January 1735.
The Petition of His Majesty's Liege Subjects, the Inhab-
itants of the Town of Boston.
Humbly Sheweth,
That Whereas the very heavy and almost insup-
portable Province Tax which hns been laid upon the Inhabitants
of said Town of Boston for some years past, have been so great
and burdensom, that Tlicy have not been able, without the
Utmost didieulty to discharge the same.
Wherefore Your Petitioners most Humbly beg leave to lay
before Your Excellency and Honours the deploral^le Estate of
said Town, And in Order to expose the miserable Circumstances
thereof to Your Excellency and Ilonours View, they beg leave to
Observe .
I. The Great decay of Our Trade in General Which is very
120 City Document No. 66.
obvious from the great Declension of the principal and most
valuable branches thereof for many j-ears past, which branches
made this Town appear with a different face to what it does at
present, And as the Encouragement of these Branches were our
great advantage, So We really find by unhapp^^ experience, the
Discouragement of them to be vejy Distressing, And We Apprehend
will be more so, Unless Your Excellenc}' and Honours shall be
Able, in Your great Wisdom to find out some Relief to make up
to Us the deplorable loss.
[1.81. 3 We would now beg leave to Observe upon the
Branches of Our Trade, refer'd to
1. Our Distillery, which was for many Years a most flourishing-
Trade in the Town, And maintain'd not only abundance of People,
but likewise abundance of Vessels in carrj'ing off large quantities
of Our Country Produce and in lieu thereof making Returns in
Molasses, and that in Our own Vessels, at moderate prices, by
which means We were enabled to Export very large quantities of
Rum to almost all parts of British America, more especially to
Newfoundland, Which gave Us opportunity to make large Remit-
tances to London, which help'd us in a great Measure to discharge
great part of the Debt Owing from this Province to Ballance their
Trade to that City &c.. Not only so, but all our Naval Stores from
North Carolina, and Cargoes of Rice and other Merchandizes
from South Carolina, as well as most of Our Grain, Flour, and
man}' other Commodities from Other places We receiv'd in lieu of,
or exchange for Rum of Our Own Distilling : But the Act of
Parliament laying such Duties upon Foreign Molasses imported
into His Majest3''s Plantations, Hath put it out of the power of
Our Trade to import any Mollasses upon such terms, which has
been the means of lessening the Distillery of this Town at least
One half. So that Whereas this Town and Province before the
Act might reasonably have been allow'd to gain many Thousand
Pounds p Annum by the Distillery, They do not now more than
maintain themselves.
2. Our Cod Fishery, which for many Years past have Employ'd
abundance of Men and Vessels, and enabled the Town to carry
on a very great Trade, by supplying all sorts of neeessarys for
carrying on catching and curing and exporting the same, is
become so heavy an Article, both in Europe and West Indies, the
price being so very low, Occasion'd by the French, who not only
catch vast quantities, but cure it much better than We do, And
the cheapness of their Labour and Materials for catching and
curing the same, Enable them to undersell us at most of the
Markets in Europe, by which means the Fish here does not bear
a price Sufficient to discharge the Cost in catching and curing.
And at [183.] Present remains under such discouragement, that
it's much to be feared that there will not be, the Year ensuing,
near Two Thirds, of the Fishery' kept up, as has been carried on
for many Years past And as this Valuable Trade lessens,
the Trade of Boston must necesarily lessen in proportion.
3. Our whole Trade to the West Indies and back to this Port
is reduced to so low an Ebb, and that without any visible pros-
Boston Tow]^f Records, 1735. 121
pects of it's ever flowing again, that it labours under the Utmost
discouragement, For it's generally Allow'd, that Our whole Trade
thither and directly back to Boston upon an Average does not
discharge the first Outsets, And nothing saves that Trade from
utter Ruin, but Freights from thence to London, and that seldom
to be depended upon. And even that is so small an Advantage
that it's much to be feared the Generous Adventurers will soon be
Obliged to lay aside their Trade and Navigation and save some
part, before their whole Interest be utterly lost, Unless they
can Receive such Pnblick Encouragement, as will induce them to
continue the same.
4. The Trade to London, tho' it's Our Duty to Contribute All
in Our Power toward the Wealth and Grandeur of Our Mother
Countr}', Yet what We receive cheifly from thence serves iu a
great measure to expose our Inhabitants to censure and extraor-
dinary Taxes, for the abundance of European Goods sent over
hither, from the Nature of Our Trade exposes the Inhabitants to
appear in extravagant Garbs, Who would gladly avoid the same,
were the}' to receive Money in lieu of their Labour, Manufacture
and Trades : But inasmuch as they cannot be paid but by Notes
to Shops which cannot be avoided, tho' allow'd to be verj* perni-
cious, And altho' very great quantities of extravagant, unneces-
sary European Goods are impoi'ted yet they contribute nothing
toward the Support of the Publick Charges : But the most part
thereof are Owned by Merchants iu London [183.] And con-
signed to their own Factors here, and no advantage reaped by
them, but b}' the Ship-builders and a few Tradesmen, Whereas
We Apprehend this Town is Taxed as tho' said Goods were Owned
by the immediate Possessors, but in Truth all We get by them is
the Commissions, and very often much less, after the Returns are
made Our Trades-Men of all denominations (Except the Ship-
builders, and that only this present year) having very little Em-
ployment, and yet verj- heavily Taxed and are under the utmost
discouragements, the want of Money without which no Country
can possibly subsist, is so scarce and hardly to be Obtain'd, thnt
there is not One half sufficient to carry on the Ti-ade of the Prov-
ince &c. We Humbly Apprehend, Unless Your Excellency and
Honours afford us Relief, and out some means to Ease Us of Our
Taxes, which We are not able to pay, And Encourage the decay-
ing Trade of this Province, We have great Reason to fear, a very
few years will reduce this Town to the greatest distress and
misery.
11. We would further beg leave. Humbly to Observe in a par-
ticular Manner the many instances in which this Town is Exposed
to Publick Charges, and altho' several of them are not immediately
Provincial, yet they are so many and so great as renders them less
able to pay the whole.
1. The Maintenance of the Poor of the Town is a very great
and growing Charge. For Whereas in the Years, 1728,
1729, the Charge was but Nine Hundred Forty four Pounds each
Year, it amounted in the Year 1734, to Two Thousand Sixty Nine
Pounds, Ten Shillings for the Poor of the Almshouse and others
122 City Document No. 6Q.
Supported at the Publick Charge. There was then Eighty Eight
Persons in the Ahushouse, and but One Third part of them Town
born Children, So that Two Thirds of the Charge is One Thousand
Three Hundred Seventy Nine Pounds, Thirteen Shillings, and
Four pence for Poor Persons who are crept in amongst Us, And
which We doubt not, Your Excellency and Honours will have
[184.] Due Consideration of. And that the Burden may, As We
apprehend it ought to be proportionably born by the Province.
And We would further Observe that the Additional Number of the
Town Inhabitants is chiefly Owing to the resort of all sorts of
poor People, which instead of Adding to the wealth of the Town,
serve only as a Burden and continual Charge, and which is as
frequently complaln'd of by the Inhabitants, but without having it
in their Power to repell or prevent the growing Evil. For We Ap-
prehend it cannot be concluded against Boston, that they ought to
be Assessed according to the additional Numbers of her Inhabi-
tants, Unless their Additional Number brought with them an
equivalent proportion, of Wealth to support the Charge, which is
evident they do not, by the Encrease of the Numbers abated their
Rates annually. And it is Observable that many Inhabitants of
good Circumstances are gone out from Us, And many indigent
Poor have fiU'd the vacancy, and encreas'd our Polls.
2. The Watch of the Town of Boston is a very great Charge
■ Amounting to no less than Twelve Hundred Pounds p
Annum, Which great Charge is not only very Serviceable to the
Town, but likewise to the Province, by reason this Watch is a
very great Security to all Merchandize imported belonghig to
many other Persons at Home and in Foreign parts, as well as all
the Produce brought from the Country, and belonging to th;; In-
habitants thereof, as well as all Vessels continually Trading hither
from Other Ports.
3. The Support of the Ministry of the Town, by a moderate
Computation amounts to Eight Thousand Pounds p. Annum.
4. The Other Charges of the Town above what has been already
Noted is. Four Thousand Six Hundred and Thirty Pounds p.
Annum, Besides Our Proportion of the Count}' Charge this year is
One Thousand Six Hundred Eighty Two Pounds, [185.] Nine-
teen Shillings and Two pence, the whole amounting to the
Sum of
5. The Impost was Originally designed for to maintain the
Pi-ovince Galley, and altho' that Cause was removed many Years
past, Yet the Effect still remains, which is a very great Burden to
the Mercantile part of the Province, but more especially to the
Town of Boston, considering the additional, Tax of Fourteen
Hundred Pounds this Year. It is frequently Objected that altho'
Merchants originally pay an Impost, Yet they are fully repaid by
the Consumer. Altho' that Argument may possibly Subsist
as to the part of such Goods as are consumed here. Yet We
humblj' Apprehend there is no Argument for Retaining the Im-
post upon such Goods as are re-exported, and which is a very
great Burden upon the Importer, For, all such Goods in London
imported, upon which there is a Duty, there is a Drawback, pro-
Boston Town Records, 1735. 123
vicled Snch Goods are re-exported in a limited time, But here,
there is no provision made, Unless the Goods are not landed, and
exported in the same bottom, which is a verj^ great hardship upon
the Importers, by reason a very great part of such Goods are re-
exported by the Original Importers, and others, And therefore
We cannot but hope We shall meet with such Relief A? the
Nature and Justice of this Observation calls for.
6. The Bounty upon Hemp and Flax will, As We Apprehend,
Amount to a very large sum Annuall}', And Altho' it will be a
General Good lo the whole Province, yet ver}^ far from being an3'
immediate Advantage to the Town of Boston For as it is
raised in the Country, So they may Manufacture it there if they
please, nay carry it into any other Government, and still receive
the Bounty, AVhen at the same time Boston pays agreeable to our
proportion of the Province Tax in times past. Above One Sixth
part, which is like to be a very heavy Article, but more Especiall}'
inasmuch as the same is to be paid in Money by a Tax upon her
Inhabitants, Whereas the}' cannot possibly conceive how they can
obtain the money to pay it with. For the unhappy situation of
Our Affairs, especially in respect of Money, fills every Ones mind
with the fears of very terrible consequences.
[186.] Wherefore, We Humbly Apprehend, That We cannot
possibly set the present distressing Circumstances of the Inhabi-
tants of this Town in a clearer Light than by Acquainting Your
Excellency and Honours of the Report made to a Committee ap-
pointed by the Town, by the Collectors of the Publick Rates and
Taxes, Which Stands thus,
1735. Capt. Daniel Pecker, to Collect, Six Thousand Six Hun-
dred Pounds ; to pay in One Half by the 10"^ of January current,
Or liable to an Execution. And yet has not been able to Collect
more than Two Hundred an Ten Pounds, There remains
due Six Thousand Three Hundred and Ninety Pounds.
Mr. Nathanael Barber to Collect, Two Thousand Six Hundred
Pounds ; to pay in One half by the aforesaid, l(j"^ January, other-
wise liable to an Execution, has not been able to Collect more than
One Hundred and Eighty Pounds There remains due. Two
Thousand Four Hundred and Twenty Pounds.
Dr. William Rand to Collect, Seven Thousand and Sixteen
Pounds ; and to pa}' One Half by the 10* January, or liable to an
Execution, has not been able to Collect more than the Sum of,
Five Hundred and Twenty Six Pounds, There remains due.
Six Thousand Four Hundred and Ninety Pounds.
And the aforesaid Collectors say, the general Complaint is by
the Inhabitants, that they are Over Taxed very much, in the
l^i-ovince Tax, in proportion to other Towns, and have not Money
Neither know they where to get it, and the Collectors further Add,
That they have no prospect of being alile to Collect the i-espective
Sums allotted to them Unless they distrain upon the Goods and
Chattels of the Inhaljitants.
Wherefore Your Petitioners IIuml)ly Pray Your Excellency and
Honours would be I'leased to take their distressed Circumstances
into Your most Wise and Serious Consideration, And make Us
124 City Document No. QG.
Such Abatements upon the Taxes laid Upon Us the Year past, and
Reduce future Taxes to such moderate [187.] Sums, as that it
maj^ be in the Power of Your Petitioners chearfully to pay. And as
in Your Great Wisdom You shall adjudge most just and equal.
And Your Petitioners, as in Duty bound, Shall Ever Pray, &c.
Nath'^' Cunningham.
John Walker.
Boston, Jan. 1. 1735. Andrew Ttler.
Nathanael Balston.
John Steel.
Voted, That this Memorial, or Petition be Accepted.
Voted, That the Town Clerk be, and hereby is directed — For,
and in behalf of the Town of Boston, to Sign the said Petition,
when fairly Transcribed, And Present the same to the Great and
General Court.
Voted, That the Thanks of this Town be Given to the Gentle-
men the Committee, for their great Pains in Draughting the Peti-
tion, now by them presented.
Then the Meeting was Dismist.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly Qualified, and Warned according to Law,
being regularly Assembled in Public Town Meeting, at the Town
House, on Tuesday-, February, 8d. 1735.
The Warrants for Calling a Town Meeting being Read.
The Honourable Elisha Cooke Escf was Chosen Moderator.
A Grant of the Great and General Court to the Town of Boston,^
of Three Tracts of Land, each of the Contents of Six Miles Square,
for Town Ships Read, Which is as follows. Viz'.
[188.] At a Great and General Court or Assembly for His
Majesty's Province of the Massachusetts Bay in
New England begun and held at Boston, upon
Wednesday the Twenty eighth of May, 1735, and
continued bj" several Adjournments to Wednesday
the Nineteenth Day of November following.
The following Vote (on the Petition of the Town of Boston)
passed both Houses, and consented to by the Governour : Viz', on
the 29"^ of December, 1735.
Voted, That there be and hereby is Granted to the Town of
Boston, Three Tracts of Land each of the Contents of Six Miles
Square, and to be laid out in some Suitable Place or Places in the
Unappropriated Lands of this Province, for Townships, by a Sur-
veyor and Chainmen on Oath, and to Return Plats thereof to this
Court for confirmation within Twelve Months. Provided the Town
of Boston do within Five years from the Confirmation of the sev-
eral Plats Settle on each of said Towns Sixty Families of His
Majesty's good Subjects Inhabiting this Province, and in as regular
and defensible a Manner as the Lands will admit of, flach of Said
Sixty Familys to build and finish a Dwelling House on his Home
Lot, of the following dimensions. Viz'. Eighteen feet Square and
Seven feec Stud at the least, That Each of the said Settlers wit) i in
said Term bring to, fit for Improvement Five Acres of said Home
BosTox To"\^Tsr Records, 1735. 125
Lot, either by Plowing, or to Mowing, by Stocking the same well
with English Grass, and Fence the same well in, and actualh* live
ou the spot, And also Build and finish a Suitable and convenient
House for the Publick Worship of God, and Settle a learned ortho-
dox Minister in Each of said Towns, and provide for their honour-
able and comfortable Support, and also lay out Three [189.]
House Lots in Each of said Town's, each of which to Draw a sist}'
third part of said Town, in all future Divisions, One to be for the
first Settled Minister, One for the Ministrj^ and One for the School ;
And in Order that the Conditions of this Grant may the more
Efiectnally be complyed with. Ordered, That Elisha Cooke Esq.
Mr. Oxenbridge Thacher, Mr. Thomas Gushing Jun' and Mr.
Timothy Prout, with such as the Honourable Board shall appoint,
be a Committee full}' Authorized to Admit Settlers, And to take
of each Settler a Bond, in the Sum of Twenty five Pounds for the
Performance of the Conditions so far as relates to their respective
Lots, which Bond Shall be made Payable to the Province Treas-
urer ; And in case any of the Lots in any One of the Town ships
hereby Granted, shall not be settled in time and Manner as is
above provided, then such Lot with the Rights belonging thereto,
shall Revert to, and be at the Disposition of the Government.
Voted by the Honourable Council, That John Jeffries, Jacob
Wendell, and Samuel Welles F^sq". be Joyned to the Committee
of the Honourable House for admitting Settlers, &c.
A True Copy,
Examined
p Thad. Mason, Dep'. Secr^.
Voted, To proceed to the Choice of a Committee, to Inspect,
Survey and Plat Three Tracts of Land, agreeable to the said Grant
suitable for Town- ships and with what speed they conveniently
may or can, and that They make Report thereof to the Town as
soon as may be.
Voted, That the Number of the Committee be Three.
Voted, That Mr. Gershora Keyes
Mr. John Checkley and
Capt. Robert Temple
be a Committee for the Ends aforesaid.
[190.] And, Whereas, at the Motion of the Representatives
of this Town, the Select Men did Seasonably Employ John Jones
of Hopkinston Esq. and Mr. Samuel Chandler of Concord, to look
out for some Tracts of Land, suitable for the Settlement of Three
Townships.
Voted, That the Committee be, and hereby are Desired> to
Enquire of those Gentlemen, how far they have proceeded in that
Afifair, and to Advise with them, or Others, in their further pro-
ceeding.
Then the Meeting was dismist.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of
Boston, duly Qualified and warned According to Law, regularly
Assembled in Public Town Meeting, at the Town House, On
Monday March the 8'". 1735.
126 City Document No. 66.
Prayer being made bj^ the Reverend Mather Byles
And
The Warrants for Calling the Town Meeting Read The In-
habitants proceeded to the Choice of A Moderator. Accord-
ingly The Votes being Collected, It Appeared That The Hon'"''' Elisha
Cooke Esq^ was Chosen Moderator of the Meeting, Unanimously.
Sundry Laws, Read
Sundry Petitions, Proposals &c. Read
and Sundry Motions Made.
The Petitions of John AYalloy Esq & Samuel Salter.
Of Mr. John Lovcl.
Of Mrs. Mary Sharrow.
Of Mrs. Abihail Chamberlain.
Of Sundry Inhnbitants, Viz'.
For a Fish Market.
For Paving Green Lane.
[191.] Of Sundry Inhabitants for Paving Orange Street.
For Paving Beer Lane.
Of the Towns Watch Men.
Of the Masters of the Water Engines.
Report of the Select Men, of Visitation of the Schools.
Of the Registring Births and Deaths, from the Min-
utes of the late Town Clerk And also
Of the present great Neglect of the Inhabitants in
Registring Births and Deaths.
Report of the Committee on Rumney Marsh Petition
Mr. Joseph Marion's Proposal.
Mr. Jonathan William's Motions, Relating to his Care of
the Granary And for the better Regulation of
the Cows, on the Common.
The Moderator made a Motion, Relating to the Marsh at the
bottom of the Common, near Fox Hill, That the Com-
mittee appointed thereon in Mar. 1733, might be Re-
vived
Mr. Marion made A Motion, for Addressing the General
Court for Liberty to bring forward A Writ of Review
in the Case between the Town of Boston, and Thomas
Palmer Esq^
Capt. Nathanael Cunningham, made a Motion, That the
Petition lately Presented to the General Court, for A
batement of the Tax on this Town, might be Read.
The Town proceeded to the Choice of Officers.
Samuel Gerrish was Chosen Town Clerk for the Year Ensuing,
and Sworn.
Voted, To Chuse Seven Select Men.
The Votes being collected and sorted, it Appeared that,
The Hon'"^ John Jeffries Esq'
Joshua Winslow Esq"".
Capt. William Downe
Capt. Jonathan Armitage, J- Select Men.
Mr. David Collson
Capt. Alexander Forsyth, |
Capt. .John Eastwick J
Were Chosen Select Men, for the Year Ensuing.
Boston To^at^ Eecoeds, 1735. 127
[193.] The Hon"^ Joseph Wadsworth Esq^ was Chosen
Town Treasurer, for the Year Ensuing, and Sworn.
Voted, That the Overseers of the Poor be Desu-ed to Attend
this Meeting in the Afternoon, to give Their Opinion with respect
to Dividing the Town into Twelve Wards.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned 'till Three of the Clock,
Afternoon.
Afternoon, Being Assembled.
Joshua TVinslow Esq"", and Capt. William Downe Excusing
themselves from Serving as Select Men, the Year Ensuing,
Voted, To proceed to the Choice of Two Select Men in their
Room.
The Votes being Collected and Sorted, it Appear'd That
Capt. Caleb Lyman, and ] o ^ ^ ht
-XT T^ „„ n^ 1 ^Select Men.
Mr. Jonas Clarke, J
were Chosen Select Men, for the Year Ensuing.
Jacob \yendell Esq', in the Name of the Overseers of the Poor,
Reported to the Town, That 'twas Their Opinion, It would be
much for the Service of the said Town that it be divided into
Twelve "Wards, and Proposed the Military Division of the Town,
to their Consideration.
Voted, That the Gentlemen, the Overseers of the Poor be a
Committee to project a Division of the Town into Twelve "Wards,
and to make their Report thereof Tomorrow, in Order to the Town's
proceeding thereon.
Voted, To Chuse Seven Assessors. Accordingly
Mess". Daniel Loring ^
James "Watson.
John Staniford
Richard Buckley y
[193.] Peter Thomas
Joshua Blanchard and
James Gold
"Were Chosen Assessors, for the Year Ensuing.
Voted, That the Select Men be Surveyors of the High "Ways,
the Year Ensuing.
Voted, That Mr. Stephen Kent, be the Constable for the District
of Rumney Marsh, the Year Ensuing.
Voted, That Mess". Elisha Tuttle and 1 -c, ^r-
Samuel Pratt } ^^"^^ Viewers.
be Fence Viewers for Rumney Marsh.
Voted, That Mr. John Hasey, be Sealer of Leather for Rumney
Marsh.
Voted, That Mess" Charles Bill and } ^t
Samuel Maxwell j Hogreves.
be Ilogrcves, for Rumney Marsh.
Voted, That Mr. John Laithe, be Haward, or Field Driver, for
Rumney Marsh.
Voted, That Mr. Stephen Kent, be Collector of Taxes in Rum-
ney Marsh, the Year Ensuing.
Voted, That Mr. John Brintnal, be Surveyor of Hemp and Flax,
within this Town, the Year Ensuing.
128
City Document No. 66.
Voted, To Chuse Twelve Constables, distinct from Collectors.
Voted, That Mess'
[194.]
- Sworn
-Pay
-Pay
- Appeal
- P^xcus'd
- Pay
-Pay
- Sworn
► Constables.
. Thomas Paine - - Pay
John Hammock - - Pay
Christopher Kilb}-
Jun^ p^ 1731
Malachi Salter -
John Phillips
John Maylem
Edward Tyng -
John Wakefleld-
Elias Dupee - -
John Webster -
Edward Bulkley-
be Constables for the Year Ensuing.
Voted, To Adjourn this Meeting 'till Tomorrow Morning, at
Nine of the Clock.
>
Clerks of y"
Market.
Were Chosen to be
Sealers of Leather.
The Town being Assembled.
Mess". Samuel Marshall ^
Adam Winthrop Jun'. {
John Flowers |
Samuel Gibbins
James Barnard
Joseph Turell
Thomas Greenough
Richard Salter
Clerks of the Market, the Year Ensuing.
Mess'^^ Samuel May
Robert Williams
James Dawson
William Young
Joshua Dodge
Nathanael Hodgdon
Were Chosen Sealers of Leather, the year Ensueing
Mess" Francis Warden
Joseph Russell
William More
Bartholomew Sutton )- Fence Viewers
Roger Stainer
John Endicot
Joseph White
Were Chosen Fence Viewers, the year Ensuing
[195.] Mess". Edward Moberly )
William Paine j
Edward Richards
Thomas Foster
Joshua Thornton j
Matthew Barnard J
Were Chosen Viewers of Shingles, Meas". of Boards &c.
Upon the Petition of Mr. James Read and Others, Masters of
the Water Engines in the Town, in behalf of themselves and the
Companies belonging to them, Praying they may be Excused
Viewers of Shingles &c.
Boston Town Records, 1735.
129
from serving in Other Offices, the year Ensuing, us u^ual,
Read.
Voted, That the Prayer of the Petitioners be Granted.
^
Hogreves.
J
Scavengers.
Mess". Richard True
Ezekiel Carver
William Young
William Hunt
Were Chosen Hogreves, for the j-ear Ensuing.
Mess". William Williams
Joseph Cowel
Benjamin Salisbury
Harrison Gray
John Taylor
Thomas Boucher
William Rand
Jacob Holyoke
Daniel Pecker
Henry Gibbs
Skinner Russell
John Bennet
Thomas Jackson
George Monk
Nathanael Gardner
Were Chosen Scavengers, for the Year Ensuing.
[196.] Voted, That Mr. Richard — Carter Cowel be Haward,
or Field Driver, the j^ear Ensuing.
The Select Men proposed to the Town, to proceed to the Choice
of Ty thing Men, if they saw meet.
Mess". James Jeffs - - -
John Boylston - -
Thomas Phillips - -
John Caswall - - -
Henry Price ------ Sworn
Samuel Wentworth Jun"". - - Sworn ^
Were Chosen Constables for the year Ensuing.
Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereby are Desired, to
Visit the several Public Schools in the Town, Taking with them
Such Gentlemen to Accompany them as they shall think proper.
And that They Report to the Town what Condition They
find them in.
Upon the Petition of John Walley Esq"", and Samuel Salter,
Praying the Town to Reinburse to them the Sum of Thirteen
Pound, Sixteen Shillings, One penn}', disbursed by them in
the year 1723, for Paving in Water Street, as set forth in said
Petition ;
Voted, That the Prayer of the Petitioners be Granted.
Voted, That the Town will proceed to the Choice of a County
Treasurer, at Five of the Clock After-Noon ; As also A Register
of Deeds for the County of Suffolk ; And to Consider of Raising
Money to Defray the Charges of the Town the year Ensuing.
The Report of the Committee on Rumney Marsh Petition
Bead.
Pay
Pay
Sworn
Pay
>■ Constables.
130 City Document No. 6G.
[197.] Upon the Petition of Mary Sharrow, in behalf of Her
Husband George Sharrow, One of the Constables of Boston, and a
Collector of Rates and Taxes in the ye:ir 1732, Who being fallen
in Arrears with the Treasurers has Absented himself, lor more
than Two years last past, Praying, That her said Husband may be
permitted to return Home and with Freedom follow his Business
as formerly Proposing (thereupon) to Pa}'^ in to the Town
Treasury Thirty Pounds (at the least) Every Year until the whole
of his Debt be Paid and Discharged.
In Answer to said Petition ;
Voted, That upon Mr. Sharrow's Return Home, to Bos-
ton, The Town will not Pursue him in the Law, for the
Arrears due from him to the Town, Upon his Paying the
Sum of Thirty Pounds p Annum, uutil the whole of his said
Debt be Paid.
A Memorial of Samuel Gerrish, Town Clerk, Presented to the
Select Men; Setting forth, That According to Their Order, He
had Registred, Four Thousand Three Hundred and Forty five,
Births and Deaths, from the Minutes kept by Samuel Checkley
Esq'', the late Town Clerk, Viz* from the Year 1721 to the year
1733, inclusive, Which said Memorial the Select Men laid before
the Town, in Order for an Allowance to be made for said Service
And The following Question being put. Viz'. Whether the
Town would Allow a certain Sura to Samuel Gerrish in Considera-
tion of his Registring the Births and Deaths Entred in Col° Check-
ley's Minutes?
Voted, In the Affirmative.
Voted, That the Sum of Thirty Pounds be allow'd and Paid out
of the Town Treasury, to Samuel Gerrish, in Consideration of his
Registring the Births and Deaths above mentioned.
Mr. John Level's Petition, Read, and withdrawn.
[198.] A Memorial of Sundry Inhabitants relating to a strip
of Land at the Southerly End of (5ross Street, Desiring the same
might be left in Common and un-encumber'd, as being commodi-
ous and well Situated for a Fish-Market Read, And The
following Question being put, Viz'
Whether the Town would Grant the Prayer of the Petitioners?
Voted, In the Negative.
The Petition of Abihail Chamberlain — Widow of Jacob Cham-
berlain, late Constable of Rumney Marsh, Deceas'd. Read And
in Answer thereto
Voted, That Sis Months be further Allow'd the Petitioner
Abihail Chamberlain to make up tier Account with the Town
Treasurer And the Assessors are hereby also Impower'd to
make such Abatements as they shall Judge proper.
The Petition of Matthias Cowdrey, Abia Holbrook &c. in
behalf of themselves and Others, Watchmen Praying for an
Addition to their pay and wages, for reasons mentioned.
Read And the FoUovping Question being put. Viz' Whether
the Town make an Addition to the Pay or Salaries of the Watch-
men, According to their Petition?
Voted, Jn the Negative.
Boston Town Kecords, 1735. 131
Upon Complaint That the Watch at the Fortihcation, is Useless,
and Occasions an Unnecessary Charge to the Town,
A Question was put. Viz'
[199.] Whether the Town would Continue the said Watch?
Voted, In the Negative.
Mr. Josepli Marion's Proposal Read.
Voted, To Adjourn this Meeting 'till the After-Noon, at Three
of the Clock.
Afternoon, being Assembled.
Mr. John Perry was Chosen One of the Clerks of the Market,
in the Room of Mr. Adam Wiutlirop Jun'' who was Excused,
The Petitions of Sundry Inhabitants for Paving in Several
Streets, Viz' Orange Street, Green Lane and Beer Lane, Read.
Whereas the Consideration of Bringing forward Writs of Review
in the Cases between the Town of Boston and James Everill's
Heirs, relating to the Town Dock, was Referred to this Meeting
And a Consideration Accordingly had
Voted, That it be left with the Select Men of the Town, for
the Time being, To bring forward Writs of Review in the Actions
relating to the Town Dock as aforesaid. Whensoever They shall
think fit. Yet so seasonably withal, as to prevent the danger of
being fore closed by any Error which may possibly happen in the
said Writs.
Mr. Marion's Motion for Addressing the General Court, for
Liberty to bring forward a Writ of Review, in the Case between
the Town and Thomas Palmer Esq'. Being Considered,
[200.] Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereby are De-
sired and Directed to Prefer a Petition to the Great and General
Court, for Liberty to bring forward a Writ of Review of an Action
between the Town of Boston, and Thomas Palmer Esq"" for Pos-
session of a certain Tenement or Ware House, Situate On the
Town Dock, and now in the Occupation of William Owen and
others.
Mess" Thomas Hawden - - Pay,
Benj-cimin Goldthwait, Sworn,
Thomas Clark - - - Sworn
James Gibson - - - Sworn
John Ludgate - - - Sworn j
John Tucker - - - ExcusdJ
Were Chosen Constables for the Year Ensuing.
Jacob Wendell Esq'' in the name of the Over-Seers of the Poor,
A Committee Appointed As Entred Yesterday, Having Projected
a Division of the Town into Twelve Wards, Presented the same ;
Which was Read And is as follows. Viz'.
Pursuant to a Vote of the Town of the 8th. Instant, Desir-
ing the Over-Seers of the Poor to Divide the Town into
Twelve Wards, They have accordingly Attended that Ser-
vice And are of Opinion That the following Division
will l)est serve the same And Propose to begin with —
N°. 1. From Charlestown Ferry on both sides of Prince Street
to Gee's Corner, and the Westerly Side of Salem Street, Crossing
Constables.
132 City Document No. 66.
Over and taking in the Westerly side of Henchman's Lane to the
Water side, and round the Beech to the Ferry Place again.
[301.] From the lower end of Henchman's Lane up the South
side thereof, Crossing over to Elder Baker's Corner down Salem
Street as far as the Reverend Doctor Cutler's, and thence down
Love Street and Foster Lane the North sides into Ship Sti-eet, in-
cluding both sides thei'er)f. As far as Henchman's Lane, to which
Rumney Marsh is annex'd.
3. From the North East Corner of Love Street, runing up the
South Side of it thro', by the Reverend Doctor Cutler's and down
Salem Street to Peirce's Corner and up Prince Street on the North
side. Crossing over thro' Bell Alley as far as Mr. Mountforts
Corner, and so to the Dolphin Tavern, thence taking Fish street
on both sides as far as Foster Lane, including the south side of
said Lane.
4. From the North East Corner of Prince Street, running down
the south side as Boucher's Corner, and then on both sides of the
Way to the Mill bridge, and from thence on the West side of
Middle Street to Prince Street, taking in the Square from Cox's
Corner down the North side of Wood-Lane thro' Bell Alley to
Capt. Wadsworth's.
5. From the North East Corner of Wood Lane on the South
side into Middle street, running on the North side to the Mill
Bridge, and then beginning at Byles's Corner in Anne Street on
both sides the Way including tlie Dock and thi-o' Fish Street on
both sides the Way, as far as the Red Lion Wharf.
6. From the Mill Bridge on both sides of Hanover Street to
Bradford's Corner, Crossing Over to Cold Lane and thence run-
ning to Jacksons Still House, Returning thro' Kneeland's Lane
into Sudbury Street taking in the Easterly side as far as the
Orange Tree and then running down Hanover street on the West-
erly side as far as Bradford's Corner and thence on the North side
of Wing's Lane into Union Street on both sides to the Mill-
Creek.
[303.] 7. From Barton's point, thro' Leverett's Street and
Green Lane and Cambridge Street on both sides, taking in the
Southerly Side of Hawkins's Lane and round into Sudbury Street
the Westerly Side, Crossing into Southack's Court, and thence
Crossing the Hill to the Water side.
8. From the South East Corner of Wing's Lane running upon
the Southerly side of it, and so on the Easterly Side of Hanover
Street and then running down on the Northerly side of Queen and
King street on the Long Wharf, and thro' Merchant's Row, to Mr.
Jackson (the Brasiers) Shop, taking in Dock Square.
9. From Mr. Bowdoin's Corner in Treamount Street, taking in
the Westerly Side of Beacon Street down to the bottom of the
Common, then taking the North side of School and Milk street, as
far as Horn Lane, thro' Water street to Oliver's Dock, running
thro' Mackarel Lane, and then including the South sides of King
and Queen Streets.
10. From Mr. Secretary Willard's running down on the North
side of Rawson's Lane crossing over to Penniman's Corner running
Boston Town Records, 1735. 133
down on the Northerly side of Summer street as far as Cow Lane,
and so over the Hill as far as the northerly Side of Mr. Hubbard's
Land, and then round by Hallowell's Shipyard to Milk street,
thence running on the Southerly side, including the South Meeting
House Square, and then taking in the South side of School Street.
11. From the South Corner of Rawson's Lane down the Com-
mon, as far as West street, thence running down the North side
of Pond Street and Blind Lane into Summer Street, thro' Barton's
Rope Walk as far as Mr. Hubbard's thence [203.] Up the Hill
and then down Cow Lane, the South East side into Summer Street,
and then the Southerly side of Summer Street, thence Crossing
over and taking the Westerly side of Marlborough Street as far as
Rawsons' Lane, including the South side of said Lane.
12. From the School House in the Common down the South
side of Pond Lane as far as the Bull Wharf including the whole
to the Southward.
All which is Humblj' Submitted, by
Your Humble Servants.
Jacob Wendell.
William Tyler.
Jeffery Bedgood.
John Hill.
Boston 9'''. Mar. 1735. Thomas Hubbard.
Voted, That the Report of the said Committee be Accepted
And that the Town of Boston be, and hereby is Divided
into Twelve Wards or Districts according to the said Report; And
that it so remain and continue, Until the Town shall see Cause to
alter the same.
Voted, To Adjourn this Meeting till Tomorrow at Nine of the
Clock in the Morning.
The Town being Assembled.
Mr. Richard Barnard, was Chosen One of the Clerks of the
Market, for the Year Ensuing.
Voted, That Twenty Pounds be Allow'd to Mr. Jonathan
Williams Out of the Granary Stock, in Addition to his Salary,
For his Care of the Towns Granary, the Year past.
[304.] Mr. Jonathan Williams's Motion relating to the better
Regulation of the Cows, going on Boston Common, Came under
Consideration,
Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereby are Desired to pro-
ject some Draught for Regulating the Cows, going upon the
Common in Boston, And Present the same to the Town at their
next General Meeting for Consideration.
Mess". William Phillips - - . - Sworn ")
Harbottle Dorr - - - - Sworn >- Constables.
Ral|jh Hart ------ Sworn j
were Chosen Constables, for the Year ensuing.
The Select Men having Reported to the Town at this present
Meeting, the Notorious Neglect of the Inhabitants, in Registring
Births and Deaths, According to a Law of this Province in that
Case Provided : It is Therefore,
134 City Document No. 6Q.
Voted, That the Town Clerk be, and hereby is Ordered and
Directed to take Care that the Law for Registring Births and
Deaths be duly Ol^serv'd in this Town ; And That He Posecuter
in the Law Such Persons as Shall or Do neglect the same.
The Town Proceeded to the Choice of Collectors of the Rates
and Taxes The Votes being sorted It Appear'd, That
Capt. Daniel Pecker ~)
Mr. William Rand V Collectors.
Mr. Nathauael Barber )
Were Accordingly Chosen Collectors for the Year Ensuing.
[305.] Voted, That Nine pence upon the Pound be allow'd.
and Paid out of the Town Treasury to the Collectors of Rates and
Taxes, for the Year Ensuing, They giving Sufficient Security, to
the Satisfaction of the Select-Men, for the faithful Discharge of
their Trust.
The Affairs of the Markets coming Under Consideration, relat-
ing to the Continuance of Clerks for the Year Ensuing — And the
Allowance for their Service the Year past &c. Upon which the
following Questions were propos'd. Viz'.
Quest. Whether the Town would Continue a Clerk for the
North IMarket, the Year Ensuing?
Voted, In the Negative.
Quest. Whether the Town would Continue a Clerk for the
Middle Market, the Year Ensuing ?
Voted, In the Negative.
Quest. Whether the Town would Continue a Clerk for the
South Market, the Year Ensuing?
Voted, In the Negative.
Voted, That the Ringing of Bells at the Opening of the Mar-
kets, be Discontinued.
Voted, That the Sum of Five Pounds be Allowed and Paid to
Each of the Three Sextons, for Ringing the Market Bells the Year
past.
Voted, That the Sum of One Hundred Pounds be allow'd and
Paid to Mr. John Foster, the Clerk of the North Market, for his
Service the year past.
Voted, That the Sum of One Hundred Pounds be [206.]
Allow'd and Paid to Capt. James Watson the Clerk of the Middle
Market, for his Service the Year past.
Voted, That the Sum of One Hundred Pounds be Allow'd and
Paid to Mr. Francis Willoughby, the Clerk of the South Market,
for his Service the Year past.
The Town proceeded to the Choice of Twelve Overseers of the
Poor The Votes being Collected and Sorted, It Appeared
That the following Gentlemen were Chosen to that Office. Viz'.
Jacob Wendell Esq''.
John Ruck Esq"".
Henry Dering Esq'.
William Tyler E3q^
John Hunt Esq''.
Capt. Samuel Greenwood.
Capt. Jeffery Bedgood.
Boston Town Eecoeds, 1735. 135
Capt. John Hill.
Mr. Tliomas Hubbard.
Capt. Daniel Henchman.
Capt. Joshua Cheever.
Mr. Edward Bromfield.
Mr. John Checkley Proposing, That the Affair of the Markets,
Pass'd upon in the Morning, might be Reconsidered, And the
Motion being Seconded, A Question was put. Viz'.
Quest. AVhether the Town would have the Votes relating to the
Markets, past in the Morning, Reconsidered?
Which Vote being Challenged, and a Poll demanded, It was
propos'd
[^07.] Whether That Affair should be Decided by a Poll?
Voted. In the Affirmative.
Accordingly, The Voters being Separated and Numbred, It
Appear' d and was Declared, That the
TVT , * T7- t ( Por Reconsidering - _ _ _ _ 138.
^^"^^^^' °^ ^«^^^'«- 1 Not Reconsidering 135.
Voted, That the Affair be Adjourned 'till Four of the Clock
Afternoon, this Day.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned 'till half an Hour after
Three of the Clock, Afternoon.
Afternoon, Being Assembled.
Voted, That The Report of the Committee for Auditing the
Town Treasurer's Accounts for the Year past, be Accepted ; And
the Treasurer accordingly discharged.
Voted, That Job Lewis Esq"".
Mr. Hugh Vans,
Edward Hutchinson Esq"^.
Joshua Winslow Esq^ and
George Craddock Esq^
be a Committee to Audit the Town Treasurers Accounts, the Year
Ensuing.
Voted, That the Sum of One ndred and Fifty Pounds be
AUow'd and Paid Out of the Town Treasury' to Joseph Wadsworth
Esq''. Town Treasurer, for his Service in that Office the Year post.
The Time Appointed, According to Order for Reconsidering the
Votes past in the Morning, respecting the Markets being.
Come A Motion was made and Seconded, Viz'. That the
mind of the Town might be known. Whether They would
Reconsider the Affair [^08.] Respecting the Three Markets
Separate and Singly, or. Altogether Accordingly The
Votes being Collected, Sorted and Numbred It Appeared,
That the Number
For Reconsidering the Votes. ■< ... ° , ' ' ,oo'
° ( Smgle - - wei-e, 128.
After Debate It was put to the Vote Viz'*
Wiiether it be the Mind of the Town to Continue to Chase
Three Clerks of the Markets for the Year Ensuing Accord-
ingl}'. Those for Continuing them were directed to write, Yea.
And those who were for Discontinuing them, Nay.
136 City Document No. Q6,
And Upon Collecting, Sorting and Numbering the Votes, It
Appear'd there were, 676.
Voters Of which Number were, 278.
Yea. and 398, Nay.
The Town proceeded to bring in their written Votes for a
County Treasurer (for Suffolk) which being Collected were Ac-
cording to Law, Sealed Up by Constable Thomas Clark by
Him to be kept and return'd unto the next Quarter Sessions to be
held for said County.
Voted, To Adjourn this Meeting 'till Tomorrow, at Three of the
Clock, Afternoon.
The Town being Assembled.
The several Petitions for Paving Read And a Ques-
tion put. Viz'.
Whether it be the mind of the Town, to Eaise any Money, to be
disposed of, or laid out in New Paving, the Year Ensuing ?
Voted, In the Negative.
[309.] Upon a Motion made and Seconded.
Voted, To Chuse a Committee of Five Persons To take under
Consideration, and to Project Some Method for the better and
more Effectual Watching the Town of Boston ; and whereby also
the Inhabitants may be Eased of considerable part of the Charge
and Expence They are now at, in Maintaining and supporting the
Watch And that they be desired to make Report thereof,
at the next General Town Meeting.
Voted, That Capt. Samuel Greenwood.
Mr. Jacob Parker.
John Faj^erweather Esq"^.
Mr. Thomas Lee — and
Mr. John Barrel
be a Committee for the Ends aforesaid
Voted, That the Raising of Money to Defray the Charges of the
Ensuing Year, be Referr'd to the next General Town Meeting.
A List of the Twelve Wards or Districts, into which the Town
is now Divided, with a Proposal for their respective Assignment,
Each one to the care of a particular Overseer, being presented,
was Read As follows, Viz'.
Number, One John Ruck Esq^
Two Capt. Samuel Greenwood.
Three Capt. Joshua Cheever.
Four William Tyler Esq^
Five Capt. Daniel Henchman.
Six Mr. Thomas Hubbard.
Seven Capt. Jeflery Bedgood.
Eight Henry Dering Esq''.
Nine John Hunt Esq"".
Ten Jacob Wendell Esq"".
Eleven Mr. Edward Bromfield.
Twelve Capt. John Hill.
[310.] The foregoing Scheme or Disposition of Wards being
Approved
Boston Town Records, 1730. 137
Voted, That the same be Accepted ; Aad That the said par-
ticular Wards be, and hereby are Assigned to the more Especial
Oversight, Authority and Care of Each of the said Overseers
Accordingly
The Freeholders proceeded to bring in Their Votes, for A
Register of Deeds and Conveyances of Land within the County of
Suffolk Which being Collected, were, according to Law
Sealed up, by Constable Thomas Clark, by him to be kept and
Returned unto the next Quarter Sessions to be held for said
County. ,
Voted, That the Other Affairs, not as yet Passed On, At this
Meeting, be Referr'd, for Consideration, At the next General
Town Meeting.
Then the Meeting was Dismist.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders, and other Inhabitants of
Boston, duly Qualified, and Warned as the Law directs, regularly
Assembled in Public Town Meeting, at the Town House, upon
AVednesday the 28"^. April, Anno Domini, 1736.
Prayer being made by the Reverend Peter Thatcher,
And
The Warrants for Calling the Meeting Read
The Hon'''^ John Jeffries Esq' as Moderator [311.] Of the
Select Men, and in Their Name, Informed the Town, As follows,
Viz'
By the Laws of this Province, The Power of Regulating this
Meeting, for the Choice of Representatives, is wholly vested in
the Select Men
But, as there are Other Affairs of the Town to be Transacted,
which will require the Choice of a Moderator If the Town
shall think it best, At the Opening of the Meeting to Chuse One
We Consent to it ; Saving to ourselves the Right of giving
Directions for the Regular and orderly Carrying on the Affairs of
said Meeting, Which by Law We are possessed of.
Accordingly, A Question, was put to the Town, Viz'. Whether
The}- would Now proceed to the Choice of A Moderator?
Voted, In the Affirmative.
The Town then Proceeded to the Choice of A Moderator, by
written Votes ; Which being Collected, It Appeared, That,
The Hon'''^ Elisha Cooke Esq^ was Chosen Moderator, by a great
Majority.
A Motion being made and seconded, It was Proposed to the
Town, Viz' Whether They would proceed to the Choice of Four
Representatives.
Voted, In the Affirmative.
The Votes being Collected, and Number'd, The Voters were
found to be, 266.
The Number of Voters being first declared by the Select Men,
They proceeded to sorting the Votes, By which it Appeared,
That the following Gentlemen were duly Elected, Viz'.
The Hon'''<= Elisha Cooke Esq^ - - Numb' of Votes 250
Mr. Oxe abridge Thacher ..-_ 200
138 City Document No. 66.
Mr. Thomas Cushiug Jun^ ,-- 248
Mr. Timothy Prout 249
[213.] The Select Men having Declared the Choice of the
Representatives
The Moderator took His Place, And the Town proceeded to the
Other Business of the Meeting.
Sundry Petitions, Read
and Motions, made. Viz*.
The Hon"^ Elisha Cooke Esq"" made a Motion (which was
Seconded) Viz'. That In Consideration of the great Diffi-
culties the Town of Boston labours under, on many Ac-
counts, the said Town would Give Instructions to their
Representatives.
Mr. John Lovel's Petition --------- Read.
A Petition of sundry Inhabitants, Proprietors of Lands
abutting on Sea-Street. Read.
Collectors of Taxes, their Petition. Read.
A Petition of Mr. John Lovel, Master of the South Grammar
School, Shewing that the Salary allow'd him by the Town, is not
sufficient to defray the Necessary Charges of A Family ; Praying
for an Addition thereto Read —
And the Question being put. Whether An Addition should be
made to Mr. Lovel's Salary, in Answer to his Petition ?
It pass'd in the Affirmative.
Voted, That the Sum of Sixty Pounds, p Annum be Added to the
Salary of Mr. John Lovel, to Commence from the Eighth of April,
currant.
The Motion made by the Hon*'''' Elisha Cooke Esq^ at the Open-
ing of this Meeting, F'or Instructions to be Given to the Rep-
resentatives, came under Consideration, And after some Debate,
thereon.
[313.] Voted, To Chuse a Committee of Five Persons, to
Prepare Instructions for the Representatives.
Voted, That Capt. Nathanael Cunningham,
Mr. Hugh Vans,
Mr. Samuel Waldo,
Mr. Cornelius Waldo, and
Mr. James Pierpoint,
be a Committee for the End aforesaid Who are Desired to
Prepare Instructions accordingly, And lay them before the Town,
at the Adjournment of this Present Meeting, for their Consider-
ation.
The Committee Appointed the 11 March last, To Consider of,
and project some Method for the better and more Effectual Watch-
ing the Town of Boston, Presented Their Report Which
was Read And is as follows, Viz'.
The Committee to whom was Referred, (at the Annual Meeting in
March last) the Consideration of some Method for the better
and more Eff"ectual Watching the Town of Boston, and the
Easing the Inhabitants of Considerable part of the Charge in
maintaining the same &c — Report as follows.
That We have taken into Consideration, the various methods of
Boston Town Eecords, 1736. lo9
Watching herefore known and praetis'd in the Town, and are of
Opinion, That tiae Method of Maintaining a Watch by a Tax on
the Inhabitants and Residents of the Town, is most Agreable to
Justice, and best Calculated for the Ease and safety thereof, if
under a due and proper Regulation.
And for that Purpose, We would Propose,
1. That there be only Four Watch-Houses maintained at the
Charge of the Town ; Viz'. The Watch House at [314.] The
South End, near Mr. Eliot's ; The Watch House at the Town
House ; The Watch House at the Dockhead ; And One to the North-
ward of the Mill Creek, which We propose should stand at the
South East Corner of Bennet-Street (on the Land of James Bow-
doin Esq''. Who is very willing to gratify the Town in that respect,
the Town only paying him some small Acknowlegement for the
same : But if the Town should disappi ove thereof, then We pro-
pose, that the Watch be kept at the House near the Old North
Meeting House, as heretofore ; and that the Town be at no further
Charge towards the Support of any other Watch House. And to
Prevent any disadvantage that may Arise from discontinuing the
other Watch Houses, it is propos'd, That the South Watch (in
their Rounds) inspect that District which belong'd to the Watch
at the Neck — ■- That the Watch at the Town-House inspect
the Long Wharf That the Watch at the Dock- Head inspect
the Dock, with the Streets and Lanes to the Southward of the
Mill-Creek, formerly under the Care of the North Watch
And that the North Watch take the inspection of all that part of
the Town to the Northward of the Mill-Creek, to be divided into
Two Wards, to be Visited by the Watch-men in turns.
2. That there be Four Sober, able bodied Persons appointed
for Each Watch House, And that One of the most discreet of their
Number, be Appointed to take the Charge of the Watch, AVho,
as a Badge of" his Office shall be Obliged to Carry a Quarter
Pike, And the Others to carry a Staff with a Bill, as the Law
directs.
3. That there be Written Orders and Directions, given by the
Select Men of the Town, to the Watch Men, to be hung Up in
Each Watch House, describing their Wards, with their Dut}^
Power, &c.
[215.] And for the more effectual Answering the designed
Ends, it is proposed
(1) That the several Watchmen be at their respective Watch-
Houses by Ten O'Clock, and to continue there in the morning till
broad Day-Light.
(2.) That immediately after Ten O'Clock, there be, (at least
Three Times every Week) Two persons sent out from Each Watch
House to Walk the Streets, Lanes &c. in Order to take up all
Negro and Molatto Servants, that shall be unseasonably Absent
from then* Masters Families, without giving a sufficient reason
therefor.
(.^.) That at Twelve O'Clock Two Persons from Each Watch-
Hoiise set out to Walk the Rounds (which may be varied as shall
be judged proper) in and about the Inhabited Streets Lanes, and
140 City Document ISTo. 6G.
Wharfs within their several Wards : And that within half an hour
after their coming in, the Other Two shall go out, and so by turns,
till the Dawn of the Day, and that they be Obliged to Attend this
duty, in rainy and stormy, as well as fair weather. And further,
That during the whole Night, One or Other of the Watch-men
shall stand at the Watch-House Door, to Examin All Passers-by,
And if they cannot give a good Account of themselves, to secure
them as the Law directs.
4. That there be One Capable Person appointed as an Inspec-
tor of the several Watch Houses, Who shall be Obliged to Visit
each Watch House, at least Three Times every Week, And keep A
written Memorandum of All Deficiencies, Which he shall lay
before the Select Men, every Month before the Watch-Men are
paid off, that so in case of any Neglect, A proper sum may be de-
ducted out of the Delinquents Wages, Or he be disraist, As the
Select Men shall think proper. And inasmuch as Several Orders
of Officers within the Town, do frequently Walk in the Night,
and among other things. Visit the Watch Houses, We would hope
the Inspection of the Watch would hereby be Sufficiently provided
for.
[316.] (5.) That inasmuch as by this method theWatch-
Mens Work will be considerably increased. It is Proposed, That
Each Mans Wages be raised to Fifty Pounds p Annum, And that
the Inspector be paid the same Sum, Which We would hope,
would be a sufficient Encouragement to Industry and Faithfulness
in the Discharge of their respective Duties.
Now, upon this Method We would beg leave to Observe, That
inasmuch as hereby the Watch Men would be Obliged to Walk
their Rounds in Stormy and Rainy Weather, And the Latter part
of the Night, which Ordinaril}- now they do not after Two O'Clock
The Town would be much better Watch'd than now it is ;
And besides, there would be an Abatement of the Expence About
Three Hundred and P^ighty Pounds p Annum.
Which will Appear from the following Calculation, Viz^
16 W^atchraen, at £50 p Annum, £800 " - " - -
1 Inspector 50"-"--
Candles 10' p Month for the \ 24 " "
4 Watch Houses - - - j
Coals £4 p year for Each House - - 16 " - " - -
£890 " - " - -
Which Sum being deducted from £1268 " -3 " - 4
the Charge of the last year will leave £378 " -3 " - 4
which the Town will save in its Annual Expences ;
All which is Humbly Submitted to the Consideration of the
Town
By the Subscribers,
Samuel Greenwood
John Fayerweather
April, 26. 1736. Thomas Lee
Jacob Parker
John Darrell
Boston Town Records, 1736. 141
[217.] Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned, 'till 4
O'clock Afternoon.
Afternoon, The Town being Assembled.
Mess''^ Benjamin Mason, ^
Benjamin Williams, j
Newman Greenough, )■ Clerks of the Market.
John Welch, and |
Joseph Sherburne j
were Chosen Clerks of the Market for the year ensuing.
Mr. Charles Gyles, was chosen to serve as one of the Hogreves,
the year ensuhig.
The Select Men, having prepared a By-Law, for the Regulating the
Cows going on the Common, and for Providing Bulls to go with them,
Presented the same. Read which is as follows, Viz'.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of
the Town of Boston, duly Qualified, and Warned as the
Law directs, convened in Publick Town Meeting, at the
Town House, the 28th. day of April, Anno Domini, 1736.
Whereas the Town Law, or Order already made, for regulating
the Cows going on the Common, And for the better Providing of
Bulls to go with them, has by Experience been found insufficient
for defraying the Charge.
For the more Effectual Providing for the same
Voted aud Ordered
That Whosoever shall keep any cow, or Cows, going at large
w^ithin the Neck of Boston, shall Pay into the Hands of such
Person or Persons, As the Select Men Shall from Time to Time
Appoint to receive [318.] The same, the Sum of Eleven Shillings
p Annum for Each Cow, to be Employ'd as follows. Viz'. Six
Shillings and Six pence thereof towards Providing of, and keeping
Four Bulls to go at large on the Common, from the first of April,
to the first of November ; And Two or more from the first of No-
vember, to the first of April following. As the Select Men shall
Order from Year to Year ; Three shillings and six pence more
thereof, for Paying the Cow keeper. And the remaining One
Shilling for Paying the Person that shall be Appointed by the
Select Men to Receive said Money, and give forth a Certificate to
the Owner of Each Cow, Shewing that they have Paid the said
Eleven Shillings for each Cow, And if any Person or Persons shall
have any Cow, or Cows which they shall keep in their Pastures or
Enclosures, and do not suffer them to go at large on the Common,
Shall Pay only Six Shillings and Six pence towards the Bulls.
And if any Cow, or Cows shall be found going on the Common
aforesaid. Whose Owner has not paid the aforesaid Sum of
Eleven Shillings, and Obtnined a Certificate of their having so
done. Such Owner Shall forfeit and pay the sum of Fifteen
Shillings, being thereof Convicted, before any of His Majesty's
Justices of the Peace within the County of Suffolk ; the same to
be Recovered by the Person impowered by the Select Men to
gather the Money and to be Employed for and towards the
defraying the Charge aforesaid.
142 City Document No. Q^a.
The foregoing By-Law or Order, being Considered, and Ap-
proved
Voted, That the Same be Accepted ; And that the Select Men
be, and hereby are Desired to Present it to the Coui't of General
Sessions of the Peace, next to be Holden for the County of Suf-
folk, for their Approbation.
[319.] Upon a Motion made by the Select Men, Shewing
that the House wherein the Bulls are kept, adjoining to tlie South
Burying Peace, is insufficient for that Use ; And Desiring the
Town would give direction for removing the said Bull- House, and
to Joyn the same to the Gun-House in the Common : Or that they
would make such other Provision for them, As to them should
seem most convenient.
Voted, That the Select Men, be Desired to make Enquiry into
the State and Circumstances of the said Gun-House in the
Common, And make Report thereof, to the Town, at the Ad-
journment of this Meeting.
The Petition of Mess". Daniel Pecker, Nathanael Barber and
William Rand, Collectors of Taxes within the Town of Boston
for the Year 1735, Praying that the Assessors may be allow'd
and impower'd to Set On Abatements, 'till the latter end of July
next.
Voted, That the Prayer of the Petitioners be Granted.
The Petition of Sundry Inhabitants and Proprietors of Lands
abutting on Sea-Street Read.
Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereby are Desired to View
the Said Street ; Consider the Prayer of the Petitioners, And to
Report, at the Adjournment of this Meeting, What they think
may be proper for the Town to do thereon
The Report of the Committee for the Watch, as Entred in the
Fore Noon Read again. And after Debate thereon
Voted, That the said Report be Accepted
Voted, A Grant of Seven Thousand Six [3!30.] Hundred
Pounds, to be Raised by a Tax on Polls, and Estates, within tlie
Town of Boston, for Relief of the Poor, and defraying Other
Necessary Charges, arising within and for the said Town, the
Year Ensuing
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Fryday the 21^'. of
May next. At Three O'Clock Afternoon.
Fryday, May, 21. 1736.
The Town being Assembled, according to Adjournment.
A Report of the Select Men, on a Pelition of the Inhabitants,
Abutters on Sea-Street Read As follows, Viz'.
Pursuant to a Vote of the Town as above We the Sub-
scribers have accordingly Attended that service ; Have Viewed
the Street mentioned in the Petition referr'd to ; Considered the
Prayer of the Petitioners ; And Report thereon as follows. Viz'.
That the ancient High Way, which was to be maintained in good
Repair of Fifty feet in Breadth, be now reduced to the Breadth
of Thirty five feet, Which We apprehend will -well Accomodate
the Inhabitants, and Sufficiently Answer all the Ends of A Street
Boston Town Records, 1736. 143
And Therefore, that the said Street be fixed and established
by the Town to be Thirty-five feet in breadth ; And that the same
be maintained and kept in good Repair, Open free and Unincum-
bred, at the proper Cost and Charge of the Proprietors and
Abutters on said Street, for the Use of the Town of Boston
forever. All which is Humbly Submitted By, John Jeffiies,
Jon". Armitage, Alex^. Forsyth, John Eastwicke, Jonas Clarke,
Select Men Boston May, 19. 1736.
[^21.] Voted, That this Report be Accepted.
The Select Men being Desired to make Enquiry into the state of
the Gun House, and to Report thereon. As Entred Apr. 28
Reported.
That They had According to the Desire of the Town, made En-
quiry into the State and Circumstances of the Gun House in the
Common, and considered thereof ; And that They find it was Built
b}' Order of, and at the Cost and Charge of the Town of Boston,
in the year 1712, in Order to House some Field Carriages, which
are now in it. That They are of Opinion That the said
Gun House with some Repairs, may well serve to hold the said
Carriages still, and also for Keeping the Bulls, with Hay sufficient
for them.
Voted, That this Report be Accepted.
Capt. Cunningham from the Committee Chosen and Appointed
the 28"'. April, last, to Prepare Instructions for the Representa-
tives, Presented the same to the Town for their Consideration,
Which were Read And,
Upon a Motion made and Seconded, Viz'.
That in consideration of the Inaportance of the Instructions to
the Repi'eseutatives, Now presented by the Committee as Above,
And the Smallness of the Number of Inhabitants now Assembled,
The following Question was put. Viz'. Whether it be the mind of
the Town, That this Meeting Shall be Adjourned to Monday Next
at Five O'Clock Afternoon — And That the Select Men be desired
to take Care That the Inhabitants be duly Notified of the said Ad-
journment, in Such Manner as They shall think best.
Voted, In the Affirmative.
Mr. Gushing from the Committee Appointed Dec. 29. 1735. To
Examin into the State of the Long Wharf &c. Presented
their Report. Which was Read as follows. Viz'.
[222.] The Committee .Appointed the 29th Dec. last to
Examin into the State of the Long Wharf, and make due Enquiry,
Whether or no, the Right of the Inhabitants of this Town relating
to the same has not been Violated, And to make Report thereon,
Have Attended that Service And upon a thorough Perusal
and mature Consideration of the Grant of the Flats, made to the
Proprietors of the Long Wharf, together with the Covenants &
Engagements which said Proprietors made with the Town in that
Affair We find
That in the Year 1710, It was Covenanted and Agreed between
the Town, And the Original Undertakers or Proprietors of the
Long Wharf, in Manner following Viz'. That the Proprietors
should have full Liberty to Erect & Build a Good and Sufficient
144 CiTr Document No. 66.
Wharf, of the breadth of King Street, from the End of said Street
as it then was on a direct Line to low Water Mark, And the Waste
Ground or Flats of that wedth and length were Accordingly
Granted and Released to them, without Prejudice to former
Grants.
In Consideration whereof, the Undertakers or Proprietors were
Obliged at their Own Cost and Charge to Erect, Build, Maintain
and keep in good Repair, Said Wharf, Always leaving the breadth
of Thirty feet On one side of the said Wharf, Unincumber'd for
an Open and free High Way forever to the Use of the Town and
Others ; And that the End of the said Wharf Should be free for the
service of the Town, when they should see Reason to Plant Guns
thereon for their Defence.
It was also Covenanted and Agreed, That no Wharf beyond the
Circular Line Should be permitted or Suffered to Join or be for-
ever built nearer than Sixty feet of the Waste or Flats then
Granted.
These, We Apprehend the Essential Parts of the Grant on the
Town's part. And also of the Covenant on the part of the Propri-
etors.
[323.] As to the Performance of Conditions, We would Ob-
serve That We can't discover but that the Town have punc-
tually Performed all that has been ever Promised and Engaged in
their behalf to the said Proprietors, Nor can We find that Ever the
Proprietors have been disturbed or disrested, but that the}' have
aliways been in the quiet and peaceable Possession and Improve-
ment of all that was ever Granted them ; But as to Performance
on the Proprietors part We find.
1 . That the Thirty feet left as an High Way on the Southerly
Side of said Wharf has not commonly been, neither at this time is
so free and Unincumbered as it reasonably ought to be for an High
Way for the Inhabitants and Others, pursuant to the Original
Contract ; And what seems very Extraordinary is, that Notwith-
standing it was expressly Stipulated, that it should remain forever
As an Open and free High Way without any reservation peculiar
to the Proprietors, Yet they constantly demand and Exact Wharf-
idge for all Goods landed there from on board Foreign Vessels,
tho' they belong to our own Inhabitants, Which We Apprehend to
be a Violation of the Contract and a manifest Infraction upon the
Right of the Inhabitants.
2. That the End of the Wharf is not free according to Con-
tract, but incumbered with a Crane House Erected there, neither
is that part of the Wharf in any tolerable Condition suitable for
Planting a Line of Guns, as it ought ever to be.
3. We find that several Proprietors of the Long Wharf have
made Encroachments on the North side of said Wharf, where
Platforms, and also a Wharf are built, and additions made to their
Houses beyond the Circular Line, which is an Evident Violation of
the forementioned Covenant made between the Town and Propri-
etors.
Upon the Whole, We are humbly of Opinion, That the Select
Men for the time being be desired to take care That the said
Boston Town Eegords, 1736. 145^
Thirty feet High Way on the Long Wharf be kept [234.] Unin-
cumbred in such manner as it ought to be, and that it be kept in.
Repair at the Charge of the Proprietors of said Wharf.
And Furthermore, We Apprehend it very needful, that the
Right of the Inhabitants as to a free Wharfage of their Goods be
speedily Asserted and Defended, At the Charge of the Town.
All which is Humbly Submitted
Edw*^. Hutchinson
William Clark
Thomas Cushing Jun"".
Boston Maj', 21. 1736. John Steel.
Voted, That this Report be Accepted ; And That the Select Men
be, and hereb}^ are Desired and Impowered to Assert and Defend
the Right of tlie Inhabitants, as set forth in the said Report, and
in every respect prosecute this Affair agreeable thereto.
Mess". Jonathan Dwight "]
Zechariah Fitch ri, i ^ -n/r i ^
Eliphalet Parker \ ^^^'^^ «^ ^'''^'^^-
Thomas Townsend j
Were Chosen to serve, as Clerks of the Market the Year Current.
Mr. Joseph Calef , is Chosen Hogreve, for the Year Current.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Monday next, the
24"^. instant, at 5 O'Clock in the Afternoon.
Monday May, 24*. 1736.
The Town being Assembled.
[225,'] The Report of A Committee, to Prepare Instructions
for the Representatives, laid before the Town for Consideration,
At their Adjournment the 2P'. instant Read again; and is
as follows.
At a Publick Town Meeting at Boston, upon Wednesda3',
the 28'^. April, 1736.
Messieurs Nathanael Cunningham, Hugh Vans, Samuel
Waldo, Cornelius Waldo, and James Peirpoint Were
Chosen a Committee to Prepare Instructions for the Repre-
sentatives, and lay them before the Town for their Appro-
bation at the Adjournment upon Fryday the 21st. May
next Ensuing,
Presented as follows. Viz'.
To the Honourable Elisha Cooke Esq''. Messieurs Oxen-
bridge Thacher, Thomas Cushing, and Timothy Prout.
Gentlemen
We the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town
of Boston duly Qualified and Regnlarl}' Assembled Cannot
manifest Our great Esteem and Regard for you, in a more pecu-
liar Manner than We have done, by Chusing You again, to Appear
as Our Agents and Representatives in the Great and General
Court of this Province for the Year Ensuing.
And Whereas this Province in General (as well as this Town in
particular) Labours under the greatest Hardships, Difficulties and
Distresses upon many Accounts, without any signal Prospect of
Relief.
146 City Document No. 66.
And Altho' We do not in the least Question Your Faithfulness
to the true Interest of this Province in general as well as the Trade
and Business of this Town in particular Yet Esteeming it
Our Duty [326.] In this unhappy Juncture, Wherein (As We
Apprehend) Our Laws, Liberties and Properties are in Danger,
Earnestly to Request of You To Exert all Your Powers, in
Conjunction with the Other Worthy Members of the Honourable
House of Representatives, to Guard Against, and Defend Us from,
All Encroachments that nia}^ be Attempted Against Our Natural
Rights, Or Charter Privileges. And, That it may not be
Objected to You by any Persons whatsoever, that You do not Act
agreeable to the Mind of Your Principals, upon several Important
Heads, We wou'd in a more Especial Manner Earnestly Recom-
mend to You.
1". That Inasmuch as We Apprehend Our Selves grievously
Oppress'd by a very large and disproportiouable part of the Pro-
vince Tax laid upon Us from Time to Time for several
Years past, Compared with the Proportions paid by the Other
Towns within this Province We Therefore Earnestly Rec-
ommend to you, the most diligent Search, and strict Enquiry, into
the Rules by which such Proportions have been Ascertained That
by Comparing the Province Tax paid by Gentlemen of Estate in
the Countrey Towns, with Other Gentlemen of like Estate in the
Town of Boston ; there may be such Regulations as that Every
Town may pay such a proportion as to Justice and Equity Apper-
tains.
2'^. Whereas the King's Instruction to the Governour of this
Province
Viz'.
The XVIth. Instruction Directs and Enjoins the Governour,
Not to Assent to any Act Whereby Bills of Credit may be
struck or Issued in Lieu of Money, for above the Sum of Thirty
Thousand Pounds p Annum, And [22*7.] That no more than
Thirty Thousand Pounds of such Bills be ever Current at One
and the same time.
The XVIIIth. Instruction Directs, That Whereas several Bills
of Credit to a Considerable Value are standing out upon the foot
of certain Acts hei-etofore Passed for that purpose, Whereby par-
ticular Funds are Provided for Calling in and Sinking them, The
Governor is thereby Directed to Call in all such the said Bills
According to the Periods and Provisions of the respective Acts by
which they were Issued.
And Whereas We Apprehend the Distressing Circumstances of
this Province in many Respects (And for a more particular Ac-
count thereof, We refer You to the Memorial preferr'd by Us to
the Great and General Court of this Province, at their Session
in January last) Renders the Complying with the said Instruction
altogether Impracticable, if not Impossible,
We therefore Injoin You to Use Your Utmost Power and Influ-
ence to prevent the Passing of any Act in the General Assembly
for the Raising any Sums of Money by a Tax upon the Inhabi-
tants of the Province, Unless such Act, put the Payment of said
BosTOx Town Records, 1736. 147
Taxes upon such Years as may (Cousisteat with a rational proba-
bihty) Capacitate and Enable them to discharge the same.
3^^. Whereas, Large Sums of Money have been Grranted for
His Majestj^'s Service by former Assemblys, And notwithstanding
Such Grants have been Guarded with particular Appropriations,
Yet such Cautions have not been Attended with their Expected or
Desired Success : But We have great reason to Believe, that such
Sums so Appropriated have been Misapplied, Which Renders the
Property of His Majestys good Subjects of this Province very
precarious, and exposed to Numberless inconveniences. -For
Remedying whereof. We Earnestlj- Recommend to You A strict
Inquiry into the state of the Treasury ; And that You would Use
all proper means to Acquaint [2^8.] Yourselves with what
Misapplications have been made of the Public Moneys in
Time past, And Guard Against an}- such Impositions for the
Future.
All which is Humbly Submitted Bj'
Your most Humble Servants,
To the Inhabitants Nath. Cunningham
of the Town of Boston Hugh Vans
at their Adjournment CoRNEL^ Waldo
this 21. May, 1736. James Peirpoint^
Voted, That this Report be Accepted : And that the same be
given As the Instructions of the Town of Boston to their Repre-
sentatives.
Then the Meeting was Dismiss'd.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of Bos-
ton duly Qualified, and Warned as the Law directs, regularly As-
sembled in Publick Town Meeting, at the Town House Upon
Saturday, June, 5*. 1736.
The Warrants for Calling the Meeting being Read — The Town
proceeded to the Choice of a Moderator.
Capt. Nathanael Cunningham was Chosen Moderator of this
Meeting..
Mr. Thomas Hancock's Petition, Read.
Mr. Thomas Chub's Petition - - Read.
Mess^'. Gershom Keyes and John Checkley [239.] Two of
the Committee Appointed to Inspect, Survey and Plat Three
Tracts of Land, Agreeable to a Grant of the Great and General
Court to the Town of Boston, As Eutred the Third of Feb. last
past, Presented their Report ; As likewise the Plans of Three
Townships by them Accordingly Survey'd and Platted
Which being Read is as follows Viz*.
We the Subscribers, following the Directions of the Town, to
Advise with Mess". Jones and others in Surveying and Plating
Three Townships, for the Town of Boston, have accordingly In-
spected, Survey'd and Platted Three Townships, Agreeable to
Three Plats laid before the Town, June the 5"*. 1736.
Gershom Ketes
John Checkley
Voted, That this Report be Accepted And that the
Plans of Three Townships now laid before the Town be Delivered
148 City Document No. 66.
to the Representatives of Boston, by them to be Presented to the
Great and General Court now Sitting, for Confirmation.
Upon a Motion, or Petition of Sundry Inhabitants in Order to
preserve the North Battery Wharf from being Carried away by
Storms ;
Voted to Chuse a Committee of Three Persons, to View and
Consider the State and Circumstaoces of the North Battery Wharf,
And to make Report thereof to the Town at their next Public
Town Meeting.
Accordingly.
Capt. Jeffery Bedgood.
Mr. John Walker &
Mr. Thomas Lee
Were Chosen a Committee for the Ends aforesaid
Upon the Petition of Mr. Thomas Hancock for Libert}' to Raise
and Level some part of Beacon [330.] Street, Especially before
his Own Land abutting thereon, for Reasons therein Mentioned.
Read.
Voted, That the Select Men be Desired to View the Street
mentioned in Mr. Hancock's Petition, Consider the Prayer of the
Petitioner, And Report to the Town, at their next Meeting
What they think may be proper to be done thereon.
Upon a Motion made and Seconded, For Reconsidering A Vote
pass'd at this Meeting relating to the North Battery Wharf
And thereupon a Reconsideration being had
Voted, That the said Committee be, and hereby are Desired, to
make Their Report to the Town on that Affair, at the Adjourn-
ment of this Meeting.
Upon a Motion made, and Seconded, For Reconsidering A Vote
pass'd at this Meeting, relating to A Petition of Mr. Thomas
Hancock And thereupon a Reconsideration being had
Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereby are Desired to
make their Report to the Town on that Affair, at the Adjourn-
ment of this Meeting.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Fryday, June ll*"^.
current, at Four O'Clock, afternoon.
Friday June, 11*'^, 1736.
The Town being Assembled.-
[331.] The Select Men, to whom was refer'd the Considera-
tion of Mr. Hancock's Petition, Reported thereon as follows,
Viz'.
Pursuant to a Vote of the Town, the 5*. instant. We, the Sub-
scribers have Attended the Service desired of Us ; Have Viewed
Beacon Street, mentioned in the Petition of Mr. Thomas Hancock ;
Considered the Prayer thereof, together with His Proposals, And
Report thereon, as follows. Viz'.
That it is Our Opinion, It may be proper and convenient for the
Town to Grant Liberty to the said Mr. Hancock to Level the
Ground before his Land abutting on Beacon-Street aforesaid. And
to Gravel the same the Breadth of Thirty feet ; Upon Condition,
Boston Town Kecoeds, 1736. 149
That he the said Hancock, at his own propei' Cost and Charge,
from time to time forever. Do well and sufficiently Secure the
same, and prevent the Gravel from Washing down upon the Com-
mon, and spoiling the Herbage thereof.
All which is Submitted
By
JoN^ Armitage "]
David Collson
Boston June Alex^. Forsyth c, , , -.^
IV^ 1736. John Eastwicke \ ^^^^''^ ^^^"-
Caleb Lyman {
Jonas Clarke. J
Voted, That this Report be Accepted.
Mr. John Walker from the Committee Appointed (the 5*^.
instant) to View and Consider the state and Circumstances of the
North Battery Wharf Reported thereon Which being
Read, is as follows. Viz'.
According to the Vote of the Town, We the Committee
Appointed, Have taken a Survey of the North Battery Wharf,
And find the South East Side [23Ji,] To be almost Washed away
to the Foundation, And also the North East Head to be Wash'd
away to the Foundation, the North West Side, and the South West
Side to be in prett}- good Repair, only wanting of good Cap-Sills,
and if not speedily Repaired will Wash away, and may be of great
Damage to the Navigation passing that way=
Jeff. Bedgood.
John Walker.
Boston June the 10'^. 1736. Thomas Lee
Voted, That this Affair be re-committed to the Committee before
Chosen and Appointed thereon, And that they be, and hereby are
Desii'ed to make an Estimate of the Cost and Charge which will be
necessary for the Town to be at, in order to prevent the North
Battery Wharf being Carried away by Storms.
Voted, That the said Committee be Desired to Report to the
Town on this Afiair, at the next Publick Town Meeting ; And that
the Select-Men be Desired, so to Order it, that the said Meeting
may be at the same Time when the Town shall Meet for the Choice
of Jurors for the Superior Court in August next.
Then the Meeting was Dismist.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders, and Other Inhabitants of
Boston, duly Qualified, and warned as the Law directs, regularly
Assembled in Publick Town Meeting, at the Town House, On
Fryday the 23. of July, 1736.
The Warrants for Calling the Meeting, being Read, The Town
proceeded to the Choice of a Moderator Accordingly.
The Hon'''^ Elisha Cooke P2sq^ was Chosen Moderator of this
Meeting.
[333.] A plan of Two Townships, laid out in part Satis-
faction of a Grant of Several Townships made to the Town of
Boston, by the Great and General Court, Anno, 1735, Endorsed
as follows Viz'.
150 City Document No. 66.
" In the House of Representatives, June, 12"^. 1736.
" Read and Ordered, That the within Plat, Containing Two of
"the Townships Granted by the General Court, Anno 1735. to the
" Town of Boston, Called Number One, and Number Two, as within
"Mentioned, be and hereby is Accepted, And the Lands therein
" Contained Delineated and Described, Are accordingly Confirmed
" to the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the Town of Boston and
" their Assigns respectively forever. They Complying with the Cou-
" ditions of the Grant. Provided That Neither of the Townships
" contain no more than the Quantity of Six Miles vSquare of Land,
" and neither of them interfere with any former Grant. Sent up
" for Concurrence J. Quincy Spk"" In Council June 15*^. 1736.
" Read and Concurred Simon Frost Dep' Secr^. Consented to, J.
"Belcher. July 22, 1736. A true Copy, Exam^. p Simon Frost
"Dep* Secry.
was Presented to the Town and Read And,
Upon a Motion made and Seconded ■ —
Voted, That the further Consideration of the Affairs relating to
the Two Townships aforesaid, be Refer'd to the Annual Meeting
of the Inhabitants in March next.
Capt. JeflFer}^ Bedgood from the Committee Appointed the 11*^ of
June last past. To View the North-Battery Wharf ; To make an
Estimate of the Costs and Charge which will be necessary for the
Town to be at, in order to prevent the said Wharf from being
Carried away by Storms Presented Their Report
Which was Read, And is as follows, Viz*.
According to the Vote of the Town, The Committee appointed
to View the North-Battery Wharf We Have advised with
John Adams House Carpenter, the best way to preserve what there
is, and also to make it it strong and substantial for to Plant a Bat-
tery of Cannon, is to Add to the South East Side Ten foot, To be
Built of Square Pitch Pine Timber, which length is 1 70 foot, and the
North East End is 44 foot in length [334.] And the nearest Com-
putation that We can make is, to have it Compleated as it should
be, It will cost at least One Thousand Pounds.
John Walkee
Boston July. 23. 1736 Jeff. Bedgood.
Thomas Lee
After Debate thereon
Voted, That the further Consideration of this Affair be Refer'd
to the Annual Meeting in March next: And that in the mean
time The Committee be, and hereby are Desired to take the
same under their further Consideration ; And that they make
Enquiry, in Order to Know What sum the said Wharf will Lett
for p Annum, when it shall be so Repaired, And that They Report
thereon, at the said Meeting.
Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereby are Desired to take
care, forthwith, to prevent the Damage which may Ensue or happen
to any Vessel or Vessells, by the stones which lie at the North
East Point of the North-Battery Wharf ; by setting up a Beacon,
or in such other way and manner as to them may seem most con-
venient.
Boston Town Records, 1736. 151
The Towu proceeded to the Choice of an Assessor, and the
Votes being Collected and Sorted, it appeared That, Mr. Hugh
Vans was Chosen to serve in that Office the Year Current.
Mr. John Miller (Distiller) was Chosen to serve as One of the
Clerks of the Market the Year Currant and Sworn
Mr. Vans appearing, Praj^'d the Town to Excuse him from Serv-
ing as an Assessor for thisYear for Reasons mentioned.
[335.] Voted, That Mr. Vans be accordingly Excused.
Mr. Andrew Eliot was Chosen to serve the Town, as an Assessor,
for the Year Current. Sworn ^
A Letter Directed to the Select Men of Boston, Signed W"*.
Dudley County Treasurer, Relating to the Deficiencies of several
late Constables, with respect to the County Tax, committed to
them to collect • — Read
Voted, A Grant of Two Hundred Pounds (in Addition to a
Grant made the 28th. April, last past) to be Raised by a Tax on
Polls and Estates, within the Town of Boston, to make good
the Deficiency of Defraying the Town's Charges, which may arise
or happen, in the Year current.
Then the Meeting was Dismiss'd.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of
Boston, duly Qualified, and lawfully "Warned, Assembled in
Public Town Meeting, at the Town House, On Monday, March
14th. Anno Domini, 1736.
Prayer being made by the Rev. Joseph Sewall, D.D.
The Warrants for Calling the Meeting, were Read
The Town proceeding to the Choice of a Moderator for the
Present Meeting, and the Votes being Collected, it appeared, That
The Honourable Elisha Cooke Esquire, was Chosen, Unanimously.
Samuel Gerrish was Chosen Town-Clerk, and Sworn.
Sundry Laws Read.
Sundrj' Petitions and Proposals, Read.
Viz'.
Of Samuel Adams Esquire and Others, Abutters on Barton's
Rope "Walk, For the Towns help in the Purchase thereof, for a
Street.
Of Mr. Edward Procter and Others for Paving Wood-Lane, &c.
[336.] Of Doctor Hugh Kennedy and Others, for Paving
Love Street.
Of Mr. John Blake and Others, for Paving Orange Street.
Of Mr. Samuel Turell and Others, for Paving Beer-Lane.
Of Mr. Belcher Hancock, School Master at Rumney Marsh, for
Addition to his Salary.
Of Capt. James Gooch .Jun'". and Others for Paving Green Lane.
Of Mr. John Staniford and Others, about Weighing of Hay,
brought to Market.
Of Mr. James Read and Others, Masters of the Water Engines,
to be Excused from Other Offices.
Of Mr. Samuel Gibson, Usher of the South Gramar School, for
Addition to his Salarj'.
152
City Document No. 66.
Mr. Rowland Houghton's Proposals relating to the Sweeping of
Chimnies.
The Town proceeded to the Choice of Officers, And
Voted^ To Chuse Seven Select Men for the Year ensuing, distinct
from the Assessors, Accordingly,
The Votes being Collected and sorted, it Appear'd, That,
The Hon. John Jeflfries Esquire, ^
Capt. Jonathan Armitage,
Mr. David CoUson,
Capt. Alexander Forsyth, )■ Select-Men
Capt. Caleb Lyman,
Mr. Jonas Clarke, and
Mr. Thomas Hutchinson Jun^
Were Chosen Select Men.
Voted, To Chuse Twelve Overseers of the Poor, for the Year
ensuing.
The Votes being accordingly Collected and sorted, it Appear'd,
That,
The Hon. Jacob Wendell Esquire ")
John Ruck Esquire, j
[337.] Henry Bering Esquire
William Tyler Esquire
John Hunt Esquire
Samuel Greenwood Esquire Overseers of
Capt. Jeffery Bedgood y the Poor
Capt. John Hill
Mr. Thomas Hubbard
Capt. Daniel Henchman
Capt. Joshua Cheever
Mr. Edward Bromfield
Were Chosen Overseers of the Poor
Voted, That the Town would proceed to the Choice of County
Treasurer, and Assessors, Tomorrow at Eleven O'Clock, And then
also take into further Consideration the Affair of Erecting a Work
House.
Voted, To proceed to the Choice of Twelve Constables.
Voted, To Chuse Collectors of Taxes distinct from the Constables.
Accordingly the Votes for Twelve Constables being collected
and sorted, it Appeared, That,
Mess''
Joseph Blake
John Gardner - - -
Josiah Quincy - - -
Joshua Pitman - - -
Samuel Wethered - -
Edward Emerson - -
Henry Welsteed - - -
Samuel Marshall - -
John Jones - - - -
John Jones (Batcheler)
Thomas Parker - - -
Christopher Minot - -
Were Chosen Constables.
>■ Constables -
Pay
Pay
Excus'd
Excus'd
Pay
Pay
Pay
Pay
Pay
One of the Govern'^s Life Guard
Pay.
Boston Town Kecoeds, 1736. 153
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned, to Three O'Clock after-
noon.
[238.] Afternoon, The Town being Assembled.
The Select Men having Audited Mr. Jonathan Williams's Ac-
count of the Granaries, Their Report thereon, as Entred in Mr.
Williams's Book, was Read, Accepted, and thereupon.
Voted, That the Sum of Twenty Pounds be, and here is allowed
to Mr. Jonathan Williams, out of the Granar}'- Stock in Addition
to his Salary, as Overseer of the said Granary, for the Year past ;
And that the Sum of One Hundred Pounds be allowed him for his
Care of the Granary, for the Year ensuing.
Voted, That Mr. WilUams be Directed to Deliver to No Person,
more than Half a Bushel, of Grain or Meal, of the same sort, at
one Time.
Voted, That Mr. Isaac Gridley, be Surveyor of Hemp and Flax,
within this Town, the Year ensuing. Sworn.
A List of Persons in Nomination for several Offices in the District
of Rumney Marsh, for the year ensuing. Presented, Accordingly,
Voted, That Mr. Benjamin Whittmorc, be Constable for the
District of Rumney Marsh, the Year ensuing. Sworn.
Voted, That Mess". Samuel Floyd and
Daniel Tuttle, be Fence Viewers.
Voted, That Mr. John Hasey, be Sealer of Leather.
Voted, That Mess". Joseph Hasey and
Samuel Hasey, be Hogreves.
Voted, That Mr. Nathanael Tuttle be Haward or Field-driver,
within the District of Rumney Marsh, the year ensuing.
Mess". John Simpson - ^
Joseph Lee - -
Richard Clarke -
Pay
Pay
Pay
Jonathan D wight )- Constables - - - - Pay
John Breck - - . - Pay
John Clark and - Sworn
Isaac Casno --J Pay
Were Chosen Constables.
[339.] The Report of a Committee appointed to Audit the
Town Treasurers Accounts, the year past. As Entred in the
Treasurer's Book, was Read, Accepted, and
Voted, That the Treasurer be discharged accordingly.
The Hon. John Jeffries Esquire made a Motion respecting the
Accounts of the Overseers of the Poor, and after Consideration
had thereon,
Voted, That the Overseers of the Poor within this Town, for the
Time being. Do, from time to time hereafter, in the close of the
year, after their Accounts have been Audited by a Committee for
that purpose appointed, Lodge the same in the Town-Clerk's Office.
The Select Men's Report on the Visitation of the Public Schools,
the year past. Presented, and Read
Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereby are desired to Visit
the Public Schools within this Town, Desiring Such Gentlemen to
Accompany them in the said Visitation, as they shall think proper,
154
City Document No. 66.
And that They Report to the Town what Condition they
find them in.
The Petition of Mr. James Read and Others, Masters of the
Fire Engines, Praying to be Exempted from serving the Town in
Other OfBces for the year ensuing, Read. And
Voted, That the Prayer of the Petitioners be Granted ; And that
they, with the other Persons belonging to their several Company's
be, and hereby are Exempted from serving the Town in other
Offices, for the ensuing Year.
Upon Reading several Petitions for Paving, Viz'
Orange Street
Wood Lane
Love Street
Green Lane, and
Beer Lane,
Voted, To Chuse a Committee, to talce the several Petitions
above mentioned, under their consideration, That they View the
Places, Compute the Charge, and Report thereon as soon as may be.
[340.] Voted, That the Select Men be^ and hereby are Desired,
as a Committee to take into Consideration the above Petitions,
make an Estimate of the Charge, and report thereon Accordingly.
The Petition of Mr. Belcher Hancock, School Master at Rumny
Marsh, Praying for an Addition to his Salary, for Reasons men-
tioned. Read, And the Question put. Viz'.
Whether the Prayer of the Petitioner should be Granted?
Voted, in the Negative, and that the Petition be Accordingly
Dismist.
Mr. Samuel Gibson's Petition for an Addition to his Salary,
As Usher of the South Grammar School in this Town, for Reasons
therein mentioned. Read,
Voted, That the Sum of Twenty five Pounds p Annum be, and
hereb}^ is Added to Mr. Samuel Gibson's Salary in Answer to his
Petition,
Mess''^ Stephen Minot Jun"". - - 1
Abraham How - - - -
James Henshaw -
Josiah Torrey
John Blowers
William Hickling
Edward Drinker -
Obadiah Cookson
Jonathan Foster -
Were Chosen Constables.
Mess". William Parkman
Moses P^ayres -
Francis Wardall
Elijah Vinal - -
Harrison Gray - |
John Avery - - I
Edward Brasier }
Thomas Johnson J
Were Chosen Clerks of the Market.
y Constables
Clerks of the Market.
Pay
Pay
Sworn
Pay
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
Pay
Excus'd
Excus'd
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
Pay
Pay
Excus'd
Pay
Boston Town Eecords, 1736. 155
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned 'till to Morrow at Nine
O'clock in the Morning.
[241.] Tuesday March, 15th.
The Town being Assembled, according to Adjournment,
Mess". Gamaliel Wallis ---1 ----- Pay
Philip Audebert - - - | One of the Life Guard
Josias Byles Jun^ - - ! ^, , , , Sworn
A.T ^-1 1 XT 1 ^Constables. ^
]Nathanael Holmes - - f bworn
James Hawding - - - j - - - Paid in 17
Nathanael Hasey --- J ---- Sworn
Were Chosen Constables.
The Report of a Committee on the Affair of the North Battery
AVharf Read, and is as follows.
According to the former Report, Were the North Battery Wharf
in repair, as is therein set forth. We are Informed, there are Per-
sons that will Give One Hundred Pounds p year, and upwards,
and if there should be Occasion, will be ready to clear the wharf
fit for the Service it used to be applied to,
John Walker
Thomas Lee
Jeff Bedgood
Voted, That this Affair be Referr'd for futher Consideration, 'till
the next General Town Meeting, that in the mean time, any of the
Inhabitants may have Opportunit}^ (if they see Cause) to Repair
to the Select Men, and lay before them their Proposals, or Terms,
On which the}' will Undertake to Repair, Or Lease the said Wharf,
that the same may be Accordingly Reported at the said Meeting
The Petition of Samuel Adams Esquire, and sundry other In-
habitants, Abutters on Barton's Rope Walk, Read.
Voted, That the Consideration of this Petition be referr'd to the
next General Town Meeting ; And that in the mean time, the Select
Men be, and hereby are Desired to take the same into Consider-
ation, Enquire into the Affair, And Report their Opinion, What
may be proper for the Town to do thereon at the said Meeting.
[243.] A Memorial of Mr. Rowland Houghton, Containing
some Proposals for Preventing the danger of Fire by Chimnies,
Read.
Voted, That the Consideration of the said Proposals be Referr'd
to the next General Town Meeting That so in the mean
time Any Person or Persons may Treat with the Select Men about
the Terms, upon which they will undertake the same, Who are De-
sired to Receive such proposals (if any be ofiered) and to Report
thereon, at the said Meeting.
A Petition of Sundry Inhabitants, That a proper Engine might
be Erected for the Weighing of Hay, brought to Market, Read,
Debated, and thereupon.
Voted, That no Person whatsoever being an Inhabitant, or Res-
ident within the Town of Boston, Presume to Buy any Hay brought
to Market from and after the Tenth day of June, next ensuing,
without weighing the same, Upon the Penalty of Twenty Shillings
for every breach of this Order ; And that a By-Law to enforce the
same be prepared, and presented to the Court of General Sessions
156 City Document No. 66.
of the Peace, next to be liolden at Boston, for the County of Suf-
folk, for their Approbation.
Voted, That the Select Men be Desired to Receive such Pro-
posals of Methods for Weighing of Hay, as shall or may be laid
before them, and that they be Desired to Report thereon at the
Adjournment of this Meeting, if any be, Or at the next General
Town Meeting.
According to Order, as Entred Yesterday, The Town proceeded
to bring in their written Votes for County Treasurer, Which being
Collected, were according to Law Sealed up by Constable John
Clark, by him to be kept, and return'd unto the next Quarter
Sessions to be held for the County of Suffolk.
Voted, To Proceed to the Choice of Seven Assessors.
The Votes being Accordingly Collected and Sorted, it Appear'd,
That,
[^43,] Mess". Daniel Loring")
John Staniford |
Richard Buckley |
Peter Thomas )- Assessors.
Joshua Blanchard
Andrew Eliot, and
William Thomas
Were Chosen Assessors for the year ensuing.
According to Order, the Affair of Erecting a Work House came
under Consideration, And after some Debate thereon,
Voted, To proceed to the Choice of a Committee, to View, and
Report their Opinion of the most proper and convenient Place for
Erecting a Work House And also to prepare and lay before
the Town, Upon an adjournment of this Meeting, intended the
29'^ instant, A Plan or Model of the same, for their Considera-
tion.
Voted, That the Gentlemen, the Overseers of the Poor, together
with the former Committee, appointed the 12th. March, 1734. be
the Committee for the ends and purposes above mentioned.
Upon a Motion made and seconded by many. Viz'. That the
Town would by a Vote manifest their Approbation of the Proposals
for Erecting a Work House, according to the Report of the Com-
mittee.
The Question was accordingly put, viz'. Whether the Town did
Approve thereof ?
Voted, In the Affirmative, by a vast Majorit3\
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to the Afternoon at
Three O'Clock.
Afternoon, The Town being Assembled.
Mess". Joseph Kneeland --^ ------ Sworn
Thomas Pearson --!>-, , , , - - Pay
T3 • • r, > Constables -^
Benjamin Bourn - - J - -
James Bradford - - j ------ Excus'd.
Were Chosen Constables.
[344.] Mr. Thomas Boucher, was Chosen a Clerk of the
Market. And upon a motion made ------ Excus'd.
Boston Town Records, 1736.
157
Mr. Robert Breck was Chosen Clerk of the Market, iu the room
of Mr. Boucher, and Sworn.
Voted, That the Select Men be Survej-ors of the High Ways,
for the Year ensuing.
Upon a Motion made, The following Question was put. Viz'.
Whether the Town would proceed to the Choice of Tj^thing Men ?
Voted, in the Negative.
Mess". Samuel May---^-------^ Sworn
Nathanael Hodgdon -| -------- Sworn
John Allen- - - - ! c i ^ t ^.i Sworn
T?.vK^,.<- ^-vr;ir„,^„ r Sealers of Leather, q
Kooert WiUiams - - [ Sworn
William Young --I- -S^
Sworn
y Fence-Viewers.
J
-1
)> Survey''* of Shingles &c.
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
James Dawson - - J
Were Chosen Sealers of Leather.
Mess''^ Caleb Ray - - -
Thomas Foster
John Peii'ce
John Eudicut
Joseph Russell
James Barnard
Joseph White
Were Chosen Fence-Viewers
Mess". Edward Moberly -
John Adams
Matthew Barnard
Edward Richards -
William Paine
Joshua Thornton J
Were Chosen Surveyors and Measurers of Boards, Plank, Timber,
and Shingles.
[245.] Mess". Thomas Boucher
David Jeffries
Joshua Townsend
John Welch
John Ta3'lor
Nathanael Thayer
Nathanael Gardner
Anthony Sigourney
John Bennet
John Lambert
Richard Salter
Wigglesworth Sweetser
Josiah Carter
Joseph Webb
Benjamin Edwards
Were Chosen Scavengers, for the Year ensuing.
Voted, That No Money be henceforward drawn out of the Town
Treasury, for the Payment of any Scavenger or other Person for
the Carting of Street Dirt, Provided the same be Carried forth out
of this Town.
And upon a Motion made.
Voted, Tiiat the Select Men be and hereby are Impowered to
)■ Scavengers.
158 City Document No. 6Q.
Treat with any Person or Persons Who may Offer Proposals for
the Carrying away the Street Dirt, without Cliarge to the Town,
And Tlie^' are Desired to Report thereon, as soon as may be.
Mess".^ Joseph Calef "]
Thornton Barret 1 tt
■c^ 1 • 1 /-, >Hogreves. o
Ezekiel Carver - - ( ° - _ - - Sworn
Simon Howard - - ) - Sworn
Mr. Richard-Carter Cowel, was Chosen Haward.
A Motion being made, That the Town would now proceed to
the Consideration of what may be proper for them to do respect-
ing the Three Tracts of Land, Granted by the Great and General
Court, the 29th. December, 1735. to the town of Boston.
And after debate thereon.
[246.] Voted, That the Select Men be and hereby are Desired
and Impowred to Receive the Proposals, that may be made by
any Person or Persons, respecting either the Settling the said
Townships, Or the Disposing of them ; And that The}^ Report
thereon at the next General Town Meeting.
Mess". Bartholomew Gedney^
Robert Skinner - - [• Constables. (Excus'd
Joseph Lewis - - -j Excus'd
Were Chosen Constables.
Mess". Thomas Morris )>-, ,,, Excus'd
T 1 u f Constables -r>
John iurney -J _ _ . _ . pay
Were Chosen Constables.
Voted, That the Sum of One Hundred and Fifty Pounds be
allow'd and Paid to the Hon. Joseph Wadsworth Esquire Town
Treasurer, for his Service in that Office the year past.
The Hon. Joseph Wadsworth Esquire, was Chosen Town-
Treasurer, for the Year Ensuing.
Capt. William Downe ")
Mr. James Allen |
Mr. Thomas Green }■ Auditors.
Mr. Andrew Oliver and
Major Samuel Sewall
Were Chosen Auditors of the Town-Treasurer's Accounts the
Year ensuing. Who are Desired to see that the Draughts made
upon the Treasury, by the Select Men, and Overseers of the Poor,
be agreeable to Law, and the Town Votes and Orders.
Capt. Daniel Pecker ")
Mr. William Rand >■ Collectors.
Mr. Nathanael Barber )
Were Chosen Collectors of Rates and Taxes, within the Town of
Boston, the Year ensuing.
Mr. Benjamin Whittmore, was Chosen Collector of Rates and
Taxes within the District of Rumney Marsh the Year ensuing.
[347.] Mess". Gershom Keyes - "| . . . . Excus'd.
John Waldo - - [-Constables- -Sworn.
Jonathan Farnum ) - - . - - Sworn.
Were Chosen Constables.
A Motion being made and seconded, That the Town would now
proceed to Consider of some means, whereby the Inhabitants
Boston Town Recoeds, 1737. 159
might be better and more effectually provided with Wood, and
some Debate had thereon,
Voted, To Chuse a Committee of Five Persoos to Project some
Method for the End aforesaid.
Voted, That, The Hon. Elisha Cooke Esquire
The Hon. Edward Hutchinson Esquire
Mr. Thomas Hubbard
Major Samuel Sewall, and
Capt. Daniel Henchman,
be the Committee, Who are Desired to Report to the Town there-
on, as soon as conveniently they can.
Mr. Samuel Eidgaway, was Chosen Constable. Sworn.
Upon a Motion made and seconded,
Voted, To make an Addition to the Number of Surveyors of
Shingles, Measurers of Boards, Timber &c. Accordingly,
Mess". Joseph White ) ^ « a^ • -i e - - Sworn.
T 1 CT Ml- h Surveyore of Shmgles, &c. o
Joseph Skillm j -^ » ' . . feworn.
Were Chosen Surveyors and Measurers of Boards, Shingles &c.
in Addition to the number already Chosen.
Mr. Gammon Stevens, was Chosen one of the Clerks of the
Market Pay.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Tuesday the 29th.
of March, Currant, At Three O'Clock in the Afternoon.
[348.] Tuesday, March, 29''^. 1737.
The Town being Assembled, accordiug to Adjournment.
Mess". William Greenleaf -)mi j-Arr^--- -Pay
T 1 rr 1 > Clerks of Market. ^^ "^
John Tucker - - - ) - - _ _ Pay
Were Chosen Clerks of the Market.
According to Order of the Town the 15*. instant The Draft of a
By-Law was presented for Consideration, relating to the Weighing
of Hay, bro't to Market Read, and after some Debate thereon.
Voted, That this Affair be further referr'd to the Consideration
of the Select Men ; Who are Desired to Report at the next Gen-
eral Town Meeting, what They think may be proper for the Town
to do thereon.
The Honourable Samuel Welles Esq'', from the Committee Ap-
pointed to View, and Report their Opinion of the most proper and
Convenient Place for Erecting a Work House, Presented their
Report, As follows Viz'.
The Committee to whom was referr'd the Consideration of
a place and model for the Work House propos'd to be
Erected in the Town of Boston, Report as follows, viz'.
1. That the most convenient Place as they Apprehend, is
at the South Western End of the House of Correction, or IJride-
wel. To begin at the upper or North western Corner of Bridewel,
and Extend Eastward by and Adjoyning to said Bridewel, the
Shed on the South eastern side of it, and the South western Wall
of the Burying Yard.
2. As to the Model of the House, the Committee Propose,
That it be One Hundred and forty feet long. Twenty feet Wide,
Sixteen feet high, from the lower Floor of the House to the upper
160 City Document No. 66.
or Garret floor, To be Built of Brick, to be upon a ]ine and face
to the South West, tlie Chimnies all on the North Eastern or
[349.] Backside, A Common Hall of Thirty two feet long, Five
Other Rooms, All these below ; Nine Chambers, the Roof pitch'd.
Elevated Forty five degrees ; A Cellar Eight feet deep under the
whole, A Well, A Convenient Separate House for Washing, Brew-
hig, and Baking ; And a House of Office.
And to Accommodate the Work House, and make the Appear-
ance or Prospect the better, Tiie Committee also Propose, That
the Granary be remov'd, if the Town shall Order it at a Meeting
for that purpose warned, from it's present standing to the South
eastern Corner of the Burying Place, The Fi'ont or Eastern Side
of the Granary to be set on a line with the Eastern Wall of the
Burying Yard, A Fence to be Carried from the Southeastern Cor-
ner of the Granary in the line of the Front of the Granary, South
Westerly Twelve feet, then to turn upon right Angles North West-
erly and go uix>n that Point till it intersect or meet a line or Fence
upon right Angles to be drawn or Erected from the upper or North
Western Corner of Bridewel aforesaid, this Spot of Land, being
about Seventy Seven feet and an half wide, And three Hundred and
Twenty Eight feet long, will be necessary for Yard Room and
Other Accommodations for the Work House.
The Committee would also Inform the Town, That They have
consulted able Work men and others as to the Cost of removing
the Granary and Building a Cellar, And find it may be Effected
for Two Hundred and Seventy two Pounds and the Use of the
Cellar (which is to be built under the vfhole) for Sixteen Years.
In the Name and by Order of the Committee
Samuel Welles.
Which being Read Three several Times,
Voted, That the said Report be Accepted.
Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereby are desired to Issue
forth their Warrants, for Convening the Freeholders [350.] And
other Inhabitants, in Public Town Meeting, On Tuesday the Fifth
of April next, at Nine of the Clock in the Morning, In Order to
take under Consideration the Removal of the Granary ; And also,
what may then be tho't proper for them to do towards the Erect-
ing and Settling a Work House, According to the Report of the
Committee, Now Read and Accepted.
Upon a Motion made respecting the Three Townships, as Entred
the 15'^. Currant,
Voted, That the Select Men be desired and impowered. Not
only to receive the Proposals that may be made by Others ; but
also to draw up a Scheme of such Proposals as they shall think
proper. Either, for bringing forward the Settlement of the said
Townships, Or, the Disposing of them, As they shall Judge most
Advantageous, And laj- the same before the Town for their Con-
sideration, at the next General Town-Meeting.
Voted, That the Select Men be desired to Insert in the next
Warrant for Calling a Town Meeting, The Choice or Appointment
of a suitable Person to take the Care and Oversight of the Gran-
ary, in the Room of Mr. Jonathan Williams lately deceas'd.
Boston Town Records, 1737. 161
Mess". John Mortimer ) -^i^ i „ ^f +r,^ T\r„,.i.^f Sworn
Milam Alcock- | Clerks of the Market - - g^^^^
Were Chosen Clerks of the Market for the year ensuing.
Then the Meeting was Dismist.
[351.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabi-
tants of Boston, duly Qualified, and lawfully Warned, Assembled
in Public Town Meeting, at the Town House, On Tuesday, April,
6th. Anno Domini, 1737.
Prayer being made by the Reverend Mr. Thomas Prince ; The
Warrants for Calling the Meeting were Read, and the Town pro-
ceeded to the Choice of a Moderator.
Voted, That the Honourable Elisha Cooke Esquire be the Mod-
erator of this Meeting.
A Petition of Sundry Inhabitants, to the Select Men relat-
ing to the Appropriating the Markets to some other Use, Read.
A Petition of Mary Green for Repair of Damages, by her Re-
ceiv'd. Read.
Voted, That this Meeting be adjourned for One Quarter of an
Hour, and then to Meet upon the lower Floor of the Town-House.
Where being Assembled,
A Motion was made and seconded, to proceed to the Choice of
an Overseer of the Granary, in the Room of Mr. Jonathan Wil-
liams Deceased And in Order thereto a Question was put,
Viz'. Whether the Town would make the Choice by Written Votes,
or by a Hand Vote ?
Voted, To Chuse an Overseer of the Gtanary by Written Votes.
Voted, That this Meeting be further Adjourned for the Space
of Half an Hour, then to meet in the Reverend Mr. Checkley's
Meeting House, on Church Green, Summer Street.
And, That all Chaiges arising for Repair of any damage which
may happen to be done to the Seats or Pews in said Meeting
House, by reason of the Towns Meeting there, be defrayed out of
the Town Treasury.
j_353.] The Town being Assembled according to Adjourn-
ment, at the Publiek Meeting-House, on Church Green.
The Votes for an Overseer of the Granary being Collected and
Sorted, it appeared. That the Number of Voters, were 412.
And That Mr. Francis Willoughby was Chosen by a majority of
the Voters, Viz' 268 Votes.
Voted, That Mr. Francis Willoughby Chosen Over-Seer of the
Granary, Give Security, to the Satisfaction of the Select Men, for
his faithful Discharge of the said Trust, before he Enter upon his
said Employment.
The Town proceeded to Consider what might be Proper for
them to do, relating to the Removal of the Granary; And' the
Erecting, and Settling a Work House.
The Affair being accordingly Debated, the following Votes
were previously drawn up. Read several times, and passed, Viz'.
Whereas the Committee appointed the Fourteenth of JMarch 173G,
to Consider What might be proper for the Town to Do, with rC"
spect to Building a Work House &c. Have Reported, That it is
162 City Document No. GQ.
proper to have One Erected ; Assigned a place therefor ; And it
being also Represented to the Town, That a Number of Gentle-
men have Subscribed liberally for promoting this good Purpose.
Therefore
Voted, That the said Report be Accepted ; And That a Work
House be accordingly Erected, the Subscribers Paying their re-
spective Subscriptions, into the Hands of a Committee to be
Chosen and Appointed for Building the same.
And to Accommodate the Work House, and make the Appear-
ance or Prospect the better.
Voted, That the Granary be removed from it's present Standing,
to the Southeastern Corner of the Burying Place, Agreeable to the
said Report.
[353.] Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Three
O'clock this Afternoon.
Afternoon the Town being Assembled.
The Petition of Mary Green, Read,
And inasmuch as the subject Matter thereof does not lye before
the Town.
Voted, That the Petition be Dismiss'd.
It being Moved, That the Town would proceed to the Choice of
a Committee for Building the Work House, it was accordingly.
Voted, That the Number of the Committee be Seven.
Voted, That the said Committee be Chosen by a Hand- Vote.
Voted, That,
The Hon. Elisha Cooke Esquire •
The Hon. Jacob Wendell Esquire
Capt. Daniel Henchman
Major Samuel Sewall
The Hon. Edward Hutchinson Esquire
Mr. Andrew Oliver, and
James Bowdoin Esquire
be a Committee for the Ends and purposes aforesaid.
The Select Men to whom was Referr'd the Consideration of the
Affair relating to Weighing of Hay, Presented their Report,
As follows, Viz'.
Pursuant to a Vote of the Town as above. We the Sub-
scribers, having Considered the Affair referr'd to Us,
Report thereon, as follows. Viz'.
That as soon as conveniently may be, there be Erected, within
and near the Fortification, An Engine, Suitable for the Weighing
of Hay ; And We think it most just and equal that the Cost and
Charge thereof [354.] Be born by a Subscription from such Per-
sons as are principally concern'd in buying of Hay, and Others
who shall voluntarily Subscribe for the same.
That from and after the day of
(Provided the said Engine be then Erected) All Carts and other
Carriages of Ila.y, as they come into Town, shall be weighed, and
a Tally with the weight of the Cart and Hay be then fis'd upon it,
and that the Cart or Carriage upon its Return be Tared, and the
weight thereof marked on it.
That a suitable Person be Appointed by the Town, to take Care
Boston Town Eecoeds, 1737. 163
that the said Engine be kept in good Repair, and to see the Weight
of all Hay thus brought to Market, and to Tally the same, and
mark the Carriages on their Return, as aforesaid.
That there be allow'd to the said Person for every load of Hay
so weigh'd to be paid by the Person who i3uys the same
Or in Case of his absence at the Time of Weighing, then
to be paid by the Importer, Who shall be reimbursed by the
Buyer.
That, after the said day of and the Erecting the said
Engine, If any Person or Persons whatsoever belonging to the Town
of Boston, shall Buy any Hay thus brought to Market, without the
same be first Weigh'd, as above, He or they shall forfeit and pay
the sum of Twenty Shillings for every Load or Parcel so bought.
All which is Humbly Submitted &c.
Jonathan Armitagb
Alexander Foksxth
Apr. 1, 1737 Caleb Lyman }- Select Men.
Jonas Clarke I .
Thomas Hutchinson Jun'. J
Which Report being Read
[355.] Voted, That the Consideration of this Affair be
referr'd to the next General Town Meeting in May, That so the In-
habitants, in the mean time, if they see cause, may repair to the
Select Men, and make known to them, their Proposals for under-
taking the Erecting such an Engine Agreeable to the Report of
the Select Men.
The Select Men Presented their Report relating to the Three
Townships, As follows. Viz'.
We the Subscribers being Desired to draw up some
Proposals, either for the bringing forward the Settlemeni
of the Three Tracts of Land, lately Granted by the
Great and General Court, to the Town of Boston, Or for
Disposing of the same, Having maturely Considered the
Affair, Are Humbly Of Opinion,
That, there are but Two Ways (considering the present Cir-
cumstances of the Town) Whereby the said Grant may be Im-
proved to advantage,
Fhst, By Granting a Part of the said Lands to any suitable and
sufficient Person, or Number of Persons, Who shall Oblige them-
selves under such Penalty, and in such Manner as shall be agreed
on, to bi'iug forward the Settlement of tlie same, within the Time
limited by the General Court, and agreeable to the conditions of
their said Grant to the Town The Residue of the said
Lands to continue and remain to be hereafter disposed of by the
Town, at such Time and in such Manner, as thev shall Determine.
Or,
Secondly, By Sale of the said Grant, to such Person or Persons
as shall l)id the highest Price for the same ; And which We
Humbly Apprehend (under our present Circumstances) will be
found most Advantageous to the Town.
[35G.] And the better to accomplish the same, AYe think it
convenient, That a Committee be Chosen and Impowered, to
164 City Document No. 66.
Treat with Such Persons as may Appear, either to Settle, or
. Purchase the said Grant ; And that it be Publickl,y Advertised in
the News Papers, or otherwise, As the Town shall judge best.
All which is Submitted &c.
Jonathan Armitage ^
Alexander Forsyth |
Apr. 1, 1737. Caleb Lyman ^Select Men.
Jonas Clarke |
Thomas Hutchinson Jun^ j
Which Report was Read, Debated and thereupon,
Voted, That this Affair be Referr'd to the Select Men, Who
are Desired, According to their Report, to Advertise the same in
the Public News Papers ; And that they receive, and make Pro-
posals, Either for the Settling, or Sale of the said Tracts of Land,
And Report thereon at the GrCneral Town Meeting in May next.
According to Order, The Town came into the Consideration of
the Desire of Sundry Inhabitants, that the Markets may be Ap-
propriated to some other Use — And the Petition presented
to the Select Men refering to the same. Read And a
Debate ensuing,
The following Question was put, and to be Decided by A Hand
Vote, Viz'.
Quest. Whether it be the mind of the Town That the Consider-
ation of this Affair be referr'd to A General Town Meeting to be
Call'd in May next?
Voted, in the Negative.
[357.] Upon a Motion thereupon made and seconded The
following Question was put. Viz'.
Quest. Whetlier the present Markets at the South and North
End of the Town, shall be Appropriated to some other Use?
Voted, in the Affirmative.
Voted, To Chuse a Committee to take under Consideration,
What Other Uses the said Market places may be put to, so as
may best serve the Interest of the Town, And to Report thereon,
at the General Town Meeting in May next.
Voted, That the Select Men be a Committee for the Ends
aforesaid ; Who are desired and impowered to Consider the said
Affair, And Report thereon accordingly. — — —
Then the Meeting was Dismist.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of Boston,
duly Qualified and lawfully Warned, Assembled in Public Town
Meeting at the Town-House, Upon Tuesda}^ the o*^ May, Anno
Domini, 1737.
Prayer being made by the Reverend Mr. John Webb, The
Warrants for Calling the Meeting were Read Then
The Honourable John Jeffries Esq^ Moderator of the Select- Men,
On their behalf and in their name, inform'd the Town (as usual)
That the Laws of this Province Ordain, That the Select Men of
each Town respectively, or the major part of them be present at
the Meeting for Choice of Representatives, to give Direction for
the regular and orderly carrying on of the same
Boston Town Eecokds, 1737. 165
Yet since there are Other Affairs to be Transacted afterwards
which will require the Choice of a Moderator ; If the Town shall
think it best to Chiise One now, for that End, the Select Men Con-
sent to it, Always Reserving to themselves, According to Law, the
Right of [358.] Moderating, until the Election of Represent-
atives, as aforesaid be ended Accordingly.
The following Question was put, Viz' Whether the Town would
Now proceed to the choice of a Moderator for the Regulation of
the Meeting after the Choice of Representatives ?
Voted In the Affirmative. And,
The Votes for a Moderator being Collected, It Appear' d,
That the Honourable Elisha Cooke Esq" was Chosen Unani-
moush'.
The Sheriff's Precept, -------- Read.
Sundrvs Laws ---------- Read-
Upon a Motion made It was proposed to the Town to proceed to
the Choice of Representatives. And accordingly,
Voted To proceed to the Choice of Four Representatives.
The Votes being Collected, the Number of Voters were found
to be 240
The Votes being Sorted, It Appeared the Three following Gen-
tlemen, were Chosen, Viz'.
No. ofVotes.
The Hon. Elisha Cooke Esquire 216
Mr. Thomas Cushing Jun'. 219
Mr. Timothy Prout 127
The Town then proceeded to bring in their Votes for One Rep-
resentative, Which being Collected, the Number of Voters were
found to be 221
And being sorted. It Appeared, there was no Choice made.
Upon a Motion made, the following Question was put Viz'
Whether the Town would immediately proceed to the Choice of
One Representative.
Voted, In the Aflirmative
[?i59.] The Votes being Collected, the Number of Voters
were found to be ------------- 179.
And being Sorted It Appear'd the following Gentleman was
Chosen, Viz'
votes.
Mr. Thomas Hutchinson Jun''. ---- 134.
The Choice of the Representatives being at an End, the Select
Men declared the same. And the Moderator Assumed His Place.
Petitions and Motions, Viz'.
The Hon. Elisha Cooke Esq^ from the Committee for Erecting
the Work House, made a Motion respecting the Placing the
Granary, and the Foundation of the Work House. &o.
The Hon. Elisha Cooke Esq^ also Propos'd to the Town to Con-
sider of some Means for the better Improvement of the broken
Marsh near Fox-hill.
The Hon. Jolm Jeffries Esq', made a Motion respecting the
Lense of Winnisimet Ferry.
INIr. Peleg Wiswall's Petition, for Raising bis Salary - Read
Mr. Zech. Ilicks's Petition, for Raising his Salary - - Read.
166 City Document No. 66.
A Petition of sundry Inhabitants for reviving the Merchants
Watch Read.
A Petition of Sundry Inhabitants for laying a Drain from the
South Burying Place, to Winter Street ..... Read.
Mr. William Torrey made a Motion, to Consider of some Effect-
ual Means to prevent frauds in Cording Wood.
Voted That this Meeting be Adjourn'd to Four O'Clock, in the
Afternoon.
Afternoon, The Town being Assembled.
A Petition of the Hon. John Osborne Esq^ James Bowdoin Esq"^
and others, Praying the Town would please to revive their former
Vote for an Allowance of Fifty Pounds p Annum, towards the
Support and Maintenance of the Merchants Watch (so call'd)
Upon the Town Dock for such time as the Merchants shall continue
to bear the remaining part of the Charge, Or Until the Town shall
see Cause Otherwise to Order and Direct : The said Watch to be
under the Direction, [360.] And Regulation of the Select Men for
the Time being, as the Law directs. For Reasons in the said Peti-
tion mentioned. Read
After some Debate thereon. The Question was put, Viz'.
Whether the Prayer of the Petitioners should be G-ranted?
Voted, In the Affirmative.
Upon the Motion made in the Morning, respecting the Founda-
tion and Wall of the Work House, and Debate thereon ; Several
Workmen present, were Desired to View and Consider the Circum-
stances of the Place designed. And to Report thereon this After-
noon.
Who accordingly having view'd the Place and consider'd the
Circumstances thereof. Informed the Town, That according to
their Judgment, the Wall of the Work House might be built close
to the Brick Wall of the Burying place, without any inconvenience.
And that the Cellar under the same may be made Secure from
Stench &c, without an}- considerable Charge.
Some Debate arising respecting the Eves dropings of the Work
House to be Erected
Voted, That the Committee for Erecting the Work House be,
and hereby are Desired to Consider of this Affair, and Report to
the Town tomorrow. What they shall think best for the Town to
do, as to placing the foundation and wall of the Work House, so
as to accommodate the said Building, and preserve Peace.
Upon a Motion made with respect to placing the Granary.
Voted, That the Granary be fixed and set at the distance of
Twelve feet from the Wall of the Burying place.
Voted, That Five feet be added to the Work House, in length,
for the better Accommodation of the same, with convenient Enlrys
and Staires.
A Petition of Sundry Inhabitants for a Drain to [3(51.] Be
Laid from the Tombs in the South Burying place into the Common
Shore, which runs thro' Winter Street and Summer Street to the
Bull Wharf so called, for Reasons therein mentioned. Read.
Voted, That the Select Men be and hereby are desired to take
Boston Town Records, 1737. 167
the said Petition under Consideration, Enquire into the Circum-
stances of that Afl'air, And Report to the Town at their Next
Meeting, What they think proper to be done thereon.
A Petition of Mr. Peleg Wiswall, Master of the North Grammar
School, Praying for an Addition to be made to his Salary, for
Reasons therein mentioned. Read
Voted, That the Prayer of this Petition be Granted, And that
the Sum of Eighty Pounds p Annum be and hereby is added to
the Salary of Mr. Peleg Wiswall, for his further Encouragement,
and Support in the said Employment The same to Com-
mence from the Time of his last Quarterly payment, Viz', the
2oth. of February past.
The Petition of Daniel Pecker, Nathanael Barber, and William
Rand, Collectors of the Taxes &c. for the Year 1736 Praying
that the Assessors of the Town may be allow'd to set upon Abate-
ments, until the last Day of August next for Reasons men-
tioned Read
Voted, That the Prayer of the Petitioners be Granted.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned 'till Tomorrow Morn-
ing, at Nine O'Clock.
Wednesday, May, 4th.
The Town being Assembled, according to Adjournment.
The Select Men, having taken a List of the Names of the In-
habitants, liable by Law, and qualified to serve on the Petit Jury,
laid the same before the Town for Approbation ;. Agreable to a
Law of this Province in that Case made and provided The
said List being distinctly Read over, was Approved accordingly.
[262.] The Committee for Erecting the Work House, having,
according to the Desire of the Town, as Entred Yesterday, View'd
the place and consider'd the affair referr'd to them.
Reported, That in their Opinion it will be best that the Wall of
the said Work House be set Two feet, at the least, Off, from the
Wall of the Burying Place.
Voted, That the Wall of the Work House be accordingly set at
the distance of Two feet, at the least from the Wall of the Bury-
ing Place ; Agreeable to the Report of the Committee.
Upon the Motion made at the Beginning of the Meeting, by the-
Hon. John Jeffries Esq^ relating to the Lease of Winnisimet
Ferry, which expired the first of March last, before the letting the
same on a New Lease had been Advertised according to Order,
Praying the Town would give dii'ection in the Affair
Voted, That the Select Men be Desired and Impowered to let
the said Ferry continue in the hands of the last Lessees for the
Year current, if they see cause; -And that they proceed to Lease
out the same for a Term of Years, giving Public Notice thereof,
According to the Vote and Order of the Town at their Annual
Meeting the 12th. of March, 1732.
Upon a Motion made and seconded by man}', the following
Question was propos'd, Viz'.
Whether it should l)e left to the Committee for Building the
Work House, according to their Discretion to make some small
168 City Document No. 6Q.
Alterations, with respect to making of Stairs, Closets or Windows,
so as may to tliera seem necessar3% or convenient for tlie accommo-
dation of tlie said Building?
Voted In the Affirmative.
The Report of the Select Men, on the Petition of Samuel Adams
iisq''. and Others, relating to Bartons Rope Walk, Presented, and
Read Viz'.
[263.] Pursuant to a Vote of the Town as above, We the
Subscribers have Attended the. Service Desired of Us ; Consider'd
the Pra^'er of the Petitioners; View'd the Place, and Enquired
into the Circumstances of it ; And are Humbly of Opinion, It is
not Necessary for the Town to act any thing thereon, And there-
fore that the Petition be Dismist.
All which is Humbly Submitted, &c.
John Jeffries ^
Jonathan Armitage |
April, 28. 1737. Alexander Forsyth \ a i *. tit
Caleb Lyman [Select Men.
Jonas Clarke |
Thomas Hutchinson Jun. J
Voted, That this Report be Accepted, and that the Petition be
accordingly dismist.
The Reports of the Select Men on the several Petitions for
Paving, were Read, and are as follows Viz'.
Pursuant to the Vote and Desire of the Town, at their Annual
Meeting the 14th. of March, last
AVe the Subscribers have Attended the Service Desired of us ;
Taken the Petitions for Paving referr'd to, under Consideration ;
View'd and Measured the several Streets ; Computed the Charge
of Paving them ; and Report thereon, as follows,
First, On the Petition for Paving Wood Lane, &c.
Having View'd and Measured the said Lane, We find it
measures about 395 Yards, the Paving whereof will cost, £73 "
16^3. And We humbly Apprehend, It may be Adviseable that
the said Lane be Paved anew. The Town bearing One Third part
of the Charge, Provided the Abutters be at the Cost and Charge
of the Remaining Two Thirds, and keep the same in repair from
time to time : And further It is our Opinion That the Petitioners
have Liberty at their own Charge to Build an Open Wharf a Cross
the Town Slip, to lye Open for the Use of the Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston, about Eighty or an Hundred feet below the High
Way, As the Town shall direct.
[364.] Secondly, On the Petition for Paving Beer Lane.
Having View'd the Said Lane, &c. We find it Measures about
504 Yards, and that the Cost of Paving the same will amount to
apwards of £100. And Whereas We find the said Lane lyes
upon a good Descent, and that the Passing therein is more Com-
modious than many other of the Town We are therefore of
Opinion, it may not be adviseable for the Town to be at Charges
in Paving the same, for the present.
Thirdly, On the Petition for Paving Love Street.
Having View'd the said Street &c. We find it Measures abou^
Boston Town Eecoeds, 1737. 1G9
630 Yards, And that the Cost of Paving the same will amount to
upwards of £149. But, inasmuch as the said Lane is little Im-
proved in Comparison with others in the Town, We are Of
Opinion the Paving thereof may be deferr'd for the present.
Fourthly, On the Petition for Paving Green Lane.
Having View'd the said Lane, &c. We find it Measures about
2600 Yards, the Paving whereof will cost at the least £650. And
Whereas, it does not Appear to us, that the Abutters thereon have
full}- determined to Pave their Respective parts or proportion
thereof ; And the Boundarys of the Land of some of the said
Abutters, rendering the said Street or Lane irregular We
are of Opinion, That in Consideration of the Premisses, together
with the heavy Charge it will be to the Inhabitants, It may be
adviseable to defer the Pavement of the said Lane for the present.
Fifthly, On the Petition for Paving part of Orange Street.
Having taken the said Petition under Consideration, [365.]
View'd the Said Street, and finding the Southerly half thereof to
be very much out of Repair ; We are of Opinion, It may be Ad-
viseable for the Town to Expend Three
viseable for the Town to Expend Three Hundred and Fifty Pounds
in Paving the same : Which Sum, We find by Computation, will
pay the Towns part of Paving, 1600 Yards thereof Upon
this Condition, That some sufficient Person or Persons shall Appear
to Engage for and in behalf of the Proprietors and Abutters on
the said Street, bearing their proportionable part of Paving the
same.
All which is Humbly Submitted, &c. —
John Jeffries ")
Jonathan Armitage
Alexander Forsyth 1 c i * tvt
April, 29, 1737. Caleb Lyman f select Men.
Jonas Clarke
Thomas Hutchinson Jun''. J
The Reports above, being severally Read and Considered, The
Town proceeded to pass upon Each of them respectively as
follows. Viz'.
Voted. That the Report of the Select Men upon the Petition for
Paving Wood Lane, &c. be Accepted.
Voted, That the Report of the Select Men upon the Petition for
Paving Beer Lane, be Accepted.
Voted, That the Report of the Select Men upon the Petition for
Paving Love Street, be Accepted.
Voted, That the Report of the Select Men upon the Petition for
Paving Green Lane, be not Accepted. And,
Upon a Motion made by Capt. James Gooch jun'. as follows
Viz'. That he the said Gooch would Engage on behalf of the Abutters
and Proprietors of Land in said Lane, to Advance and Pay the
whole Sum, which the said Paving shall amount unto; Upon
Condition That the Town Repay to the Undertakers, within Three
Years [tiGG.] Tiieir proportiouable ))art thereof.
In Consideration of the foregoing Proposal —
170 City Document No. QQ.
Voted, That Green Lane be accordingly Paved, The Abutters
and Proprietors of Land in said Lane Advanceing the Money, and
defraying the whole Charge thereof, for the Present ; And that the
Town Repay then- proportionable part of said Charge, within Three
Years next after the Work shall be compleated ; Viz'. One Third
part thereof, in the Year 1738 ; One Third more, in the Year 1739 ;
and the remaining Third part, in the Year 1740. Upon this
further Condition also, That the said Street or Lane be first reduced
& put into a regular form, And upon no other Conditions what-
soever.
Voted, That the Report of the Select Men, upon the Petition for
Paving Orange Street, be Accepted. And that the said Street be
Paved agreeable to the said Report Upon this Condition
Nevertheless That the original Grantees of the Beech, Flats
and Meadow Ground On Each side of said Street, Or their Succes-
sors the present Owners or Proprietors thereof. Do well and faith-
full}^ Secure the said High Way from being Damnified by the
Tides, continuing the same of the full breadth of Forty Eight feet,
And Perform all and singular their Engagements Mentioned in
their Grant, As the same is Entred in the Records of Boston,
March the 8th. 1707/8. Lib. 2. Fol. 291. And that the Other
Proprietors or Abutters on said Street bear their proportionable
part of the Charge of Paving the same, according to Custom.
A petition of Mr. Zachariah Hicks, Usher of the North Writing
School ; Pra^'ing for some Addition to his Salary, for Reasons
mentioned Read,
Voted, That the Sum of Thirty Pounds p Annum be, and hereby
is Added, to the Salary of Mr. Zachariah Hicks, for his further
Encouragement, and Suport in the Said Employment, The
same to Commence from the Time of his next Quarterly Payment,
Viz', the 28Lh. of May Currant.
[367.] Upon Information and Complaint of frequent and No-
torious Abuses in the Measure and Sale of Cord Wood within this
Town, In Consideration thereof.
Voted, That it be recommended to the Select Men, Who are
hereby Earnestly Desired to take Effectual Care to prevent such
Abuses for the future, by endeavouring that the Laws already in
that Case provided be duly put in execution.
The Report of the Select Men to whom was referr'd the Consid-
eration of the Desire of sundry Inhabitants, That the Markets
might be Appropriated to some other uses As Entred the 5th.
April last past. Read, As follows. Viz'.
Pursuant to the Vote and Desire of the Town, as above. We the
Subscribers have attended that Service, And Accordingly
Report, as follows,
First, as to the South Market
That Whereas Improving the said Market by turning it into
Shops, may be most for the Interest of the Town, We are of Opin-
ion It may be Adviseable for the Town to let it out, during the
Time of their Lease therein, to such Person or Persons as may
Appear to Hire it for that End.
Secondly, As to the North Market
Boston Town Kecoeds, 1737. 171
We Apprehend it can't conveniently be Improved to an}^ other
use, in the Place where it now stands, than by turning it into
Shops ; But Inasmuch as that would greatly incommode, and
might prove, on several Accounts Inconvenient, Not only to the
Neighbourhood, but also to One of the Public Meeting Houses for
the Worship of God, which stands ver^- near to it, We can't think
it adviseable to do it but rather, that the said Building be Re-
moved to some more convenient Place, and Converted to such
Other Use as the Town shall think fit.
All which is Humbly Submitted &c.
. , nq John Jeffries Caleb Lyman ) Select
PJ-V,^ ' Jonathan Armitage Jonas Clarke } -^
^'^ ' Alexani>er Forsyth Thomas Hutchinson Jun"". )
[268.] Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned 'till Three
O'clock in the Afternoon.
Afternoon, The Town being Assembled.
The Report of the Select Men, On the Petition for Appropriating
the Markets to some Other Uses
Read again And,
Upon the Desire of Mr. John Staniford, that the By-Law re-
specting setting up the Markets might be read, it was accordingly
done Whereupon the said Staniford proceeded to cast very
indecent Reflections upon the Select Men, (as he had also done in
the Forenoon) On Account of their Report, As Agreeing with the
Mob, who had puU'd down the Market on the Dock For
which he was Reprimanded by the Moderator But con-
tinuing His Reproachful Speeches, not only against the Select Men,
but the Town in general ; The Moderator again Commanded him to
keep silence as to that matter, and not to hinder the Public Busi-
ness, Or he would punish him for his Offence as the Law directs,
withal telling him that his Reflections were very injurious and
abusive The said Staniford told the Moderator That he only
was of that Opinion, and insisted upon it, that what he had said
was true, and it was his Right to speak, the Town having not
Ordered otherwise.
Upon which the Moderator propos'd as follows,
You, that are of the mind that Mr. Staniford has several times
very indecently and injuriously Reflected on the Select Men, and
not only on them, but on the whole Town, And Therefore, that
the Moderator Command him to keep Silence, and say no more of
that matter. And upon his refusal the LaAv be put in Execution
against him, And he be sent out of the Meeting by the Hands of a
Constable,
Be pleas'd to manifest it.
Voted in the Affirmative.
The Negative being put also No hand was observ'd to be
held up, but l)y Mr. Staniford only.
Afterward the Moderator proceeded Upon the Report of the
Select Men, which being Considered.
[269.] Voted, That the Report of the Select Men respecting
the South Market, be so far Accepted, As, that the said Select
172 City Document No. GQ.
Men be and hereby are Inipowred to Transact sucli Agreement a3
the}^ have propos'd ; Or that they be and hereby are Impowred to
Agree with any Person or Persons, who shall or may Appear to
Purchase the said Soutfi Market, in the best way and manner they
can, for y* advantage and Interest of the Town. And
On the Other part of the said Select Mens Report, respecting
the North Market
Voted, Tliat the Select Men be, and hereb}^ are Desired and
Impowred to take down the North Market Hcjuse And that
the Materials thereof be removed to be Erected for the Accommo-
dation of the Work House.
The Honourable Elisha Cooke Esquire from the Committee
Appointed the 15 March last, to project some Method for the
better and more effectual providing the Town with Wood, Presented
their Report, Which being Read,
Voted, That the said Committee be and hereby are Desired to
take that Affair under further Consideration, until the next General
Town Meeting, And that they Report thereon then, or as soon as
conveniently they can.
A Pi'oposal in Writing made and presented to the Select Men
for the Purchase of One of the Tracts of Land lately Granted by
the Great and General Court to the Town of Boston, Signed by
William Moore, and Three others, in behalf of themselves and
Foi't}^ or Fifty others their Associates, Read
Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereby are Desired and
Impowered to Dispose of the Three Tracts of Land lately Granted
to the Town of Boston, by Public Auction upon Thursday the 30th.
of June next Giving Public Notice in the News Papers, of the Time,
Place, and Conditions of the Said Sale.
Mr. John Checkley, in behalf of himself and Mr. Geishom Keyes
Prays the Town would please to take under Consideration, their
great Labour, and expence of Time in Surveying and Platting
three Tracts of [370.] Land Granted by the Great and General
Court to the Town of Boston, And that they would make them
such Allowance therefor, as to their Wisdom and Goodness shall
seem Meet.
Voted, That the Sum of Sixty Pounds be AUow'd and Paid, to
Mr. John Checkley, in full for his Time and Trouble in Surveying
the Three Townships as above mentioned.
Voted, That the Sum of Forty Pounds be Allow'd and Paid, to
Mr. Gershom Kej^es, in full for his Time and Trouble in Surveying
the Three Townships as above mentioned.
Mr. John Checkley Informing, That in a Payment made him by
Mr. Treasurer Wadsworth, He Receiv'd a Bill of Five Pounds
which proves to be Counterfeit and Praying the Town would
Relieve him therein in such way and manner as to them shall
seem meet, The Town Treasurer also Affirming That according to
the best of his Knowlege he receiv'd the said Counterfeit Bill of
One of the Collectors on the Town's Account.
Voted, That the Sum of Five Pounds be allow'd and paid out of
the Town Treasury to Mr. John Checkley, in full, for the said
Counterfeit Five pound Bill, paid him as above.
BosTox ToAVJ^ Kecords, 1737. 173
Voted, A Grant of Eight Thousand Six Hundred Pounds, To be
Raised b_y a Tax upon Polls and Estates within the Town of Boston,
for Relief of the Poor, and defraying other necessary Charges aris-
ing within and for the said Town the Year ensuing.
Upon a Motion made and seconded, —
Voted, That the Report of the Select Men on the Petitions of
sundry Inhabitants for Paving "Wood Lane &c. be Reconsidered so
far as relates to the building an Open Wharf Across the Towns
Slip at the lower End of the said Lane.
[271.] Voted, That the Consideration of the said Report so
far as it respects the building an Open Wharf A cross the Towns
Slip at the lower end of Wood Lane, be continued over to the next
General Town Meeting.
Upon a Motion made by the Hon. Elisha Cooke Esquire, at the
beginning of this Meeting, That the Town would Consider of some
Means for the better security and Improvement of the broken
Marsh near Fox Hill.
Voted, That Capt. Nathanael Cunningham,
Mr. James Allen, and
Mr. Robert Rand,
Who were a Committee formerly chosen and appointed on this
Affair be, and hereby are Desired to take this motion under Con-
sideration And Report to the Town at their next General Meeting,
What the}' think maj' be best for them to do for the security and
better Improvement of the said Marsh.
Then the Meeting was dismist.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of Bos-
ton, duly Qualified, and lawfully Warned, Assembled in Public
Town Meeting, at the Town House, Upon Saturda}' June, 11th.
1737.
The Warrants for Calling the Meeting being Read
The Hon. Elisha Cooke Esquire was Chosen Moderator.
A Petition of Sundry Inhabitants respecting Paving part of
Orange Street. . Read.
Mr. Joseph Marion addressed the Moderator, to this Effect ;
That, He had no Objection to make to the Regularit}' of the Towns
being thus Assembled But that it was his Opinion the Meet-
ing was not well Timed, for such Reasons as he then Mentioned ;
And therefore Pray'd the Meeting might be Adjourned to another
Day.
[272.] Which Motion being Seconded, Iho' for other Reasons,
then also mentioned, It was Accordingl}'.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Monday Next, the-
13th. of June current. At Eight O'Clock in the Morning.
Monday, June 13th. 1737.
The Town being Assembled according to Adjournment.
A Petition of Sundry Inhabitants, Read, Praying the Town to
Reconsider a Vote pass'd by them at their Meeting the 4th. of May
last, for Paving part of Orange Street, So far only, as respects the
Conditions As tliey are Entred, Fol. 266. And that they would
174 City Document No. QG.
Please to Order the said Pavement to be made, upon such other
Conditions as might more Cheerfully be complyM withal.
Upon which a Debate ensu'd, And the Question being put, Viz*.
Whether the Prayer of the Petition Should be Granted?
Voted, In the negative.
The Town then proceeded to take under Consideration Their
Vote pass'd the Fourth of May last, relating to the Sale of the
Three Tracts of Land, which were lately Granted by the Great and
General Court, to the Town of Boston : And After long Debate
thereon.
Voted, That the Select Men be, and herebj^ are Desired, At the
Opening of the said Sale, the 30*. instant, to Declare Pnblicklj',
That Neither They, nor any or either of them. Nor any other
Person whatsoever, are Authorised or Impowered In- the Town
of Boston to Bid any Sum or Sums of Money for the Said Tracts
of Land then to be sold: But if any of them do or shall Bid, it
will be on their Acco''. in their Private Capacity, and not other-
wise.
Then the Meeting was Dismist.
[273.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabit-
ants of Boston, duly qualified, and lawfully warned, Assembled in
Public Town Meeting, at the Town House, upon Wednesda}-,
Sept. 21st. 1737.
Prayer being made by the Rev. Mr. William Cooper,
A Precept under the Hand and Seal of the Honourable John
Quincy Esquire, Speaker of the Honoui'able House of Represent-
atives, Directed to the Select Men, Requiring them to Assemble
the Freeholders and other Inhabitants, to Elect and Depute (if
they see cause) A Person to serve for and Represent them in the
present Great and General Court or Assembly, In the Room of
the Honourable Elisha Cooke Esquire, Deceased ; Together with
the Warrants for Calling the Meeting. — Read
The Laws respecting the Power of the Select Men, to Give Di-
rections for the Regular and Orderly Carr3'ing on the Meetings for
the Choice of Representatives, Read.
Whereas there are several Affairs to be brought under Consider-
ation at this Meeting whix?h will require the Presence of a Moder-
ator, Upon a Motion made and Seconded, The following Question
was put, Viz'.
Quest. Whether the Town would now proceed to the Choice
of a Moderator for the Regulation of the Meeting, after the Election
of a Representative shall be Ended?
Voted, In the Affirmative.
The Votes for a Moderator being accordingly Collected It
Appeared, That the Honourable Edward Hutchinson Esquire was
Chosen, by a great Majority.
Upon a Motion made, The following Question was put. Viz*.
Whether the Town would proceed to Elect and Depute, A Person
to serve for and Represent them in the Great and General Court or
Assembly, in the Room of the Hon. Elisha Cooke Esq"". Deceased?
Voted, in the Affirmative.
Boston Town Eecords, 1737. 175
[374.] The Votes for One Representative being Accordingly
Collected the Number of Voters were found to be Three Hundred
and Sixt}' ; And upon Sorting the Votes it appeared there was no
choice made.
Then the Inhabitants proceeded a second time to bring in their
Votes for One Representative ; Which being Collected, the Num-
ber of Voters were found to be Three Hundred and Fiftj' Eight :
And the Votes being Sorted, it appear'd. That Mr. John Wheel-
wright was Chosen by the Major part of said Electors ; Viz. One
Hundred and Ninet}' Votes.
Which Election being Declared by the Select Men,
The Moderator Assum'd his Place, and the Town proceeded to
the other Business before them.
Petitions and Motions. Viz'.
Petition of sundry Inhabitants, directed to the Select
Men, respecting the Charge of this Town in Pay of
the Representatives ...... Read.
Proposals of Nathanael Wardal Jun'". for Erecting an
Engine for Weighing of Hay Read.
Petition of Samuel Kneeland ..... Read.
Petition of Solomon Kneeland ..... Read.
Select Mens Report of the Sale of the Three Town-
ships . , Read.
Mr. Jacob Parker made a Motion for Liberty to Dig
some Sand at Fox hill, for the Towns service in
Building the Work House.
Mr. Jonathan Williams made a Motion for a Consideration, re-
specting some Counterfeit Bills which were taken b\' his late Father,
for Meal in the Granarj-, on the Town's Account.
CoP. Edward Hutchinson One of the Committee to project a
Method for providing the Town with Wood, Inforni'd, That they
were not prepared to Report on that Affair.
[375.] A Petition of Sundry Inhabitants respecting the
Charge of this Town, in the Pa}^ of the Representatives . . Read,
and after some Debate tliereon — ■ —
Voted, To Chuse a Committee to Draw up An Address to the
Great and General Court, for Relief, respecting, the extraordinary
Charge of the Town of Boston (in Comparison with the Other
Towns of the Province) in the Pay of the Members of the Honour-
able House of Representatives.
Voted That the Number of this Committee be Five.
Voted , That Jolm Read Esquire
Major Samuel Sewall
Mr. Hugh Vans
Capt. Nathanael Cunningham and
Samuel Watts Esquire
be a Committee for Ends aforesaid. Who are Desired to prepare the
same and lay it before the Town for their Consideration, at the
intended Adjournment of this Meeting.
Whereas the Committee appointed the 15th. of March last past,
to View, and Report their Opinion of the most proper and conve-
nient Place for Erecting a Workhouse, in their Report thereon
176 City Document No. 66.
made to the Town, and Accepted Did propose the Remov-
ing the Granary from the Place where it then stood, to the South
Eastern Corner of the Burying place, and reported the Opinion of
Able Workmen (with whom they consulted) as to the Cost of Re-
moving it, and of Building A Cellar under the same As b^^ the said
Report on Record ma}^ Appear At the same time the Hon-
ourable Samuel Welles Esquire Informed the Town that Mr. Thomas
Hubbard was willing to undertake the same upon the Condition
Mentioned in said Report Who being present at that time,
also signified his Acceptance thereof according to the Terms pro-
posed Yet Notwithstanding, there was no Vote then passed
Impowering the Select Men to Execute Instruments for Leasing
the said Cellar to him, As the Circumstances of the Case did
require,
Wherefore,
[370.] Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereby are di-
rected and Impowered to Execute a Lease of the said Cellar to
Mr. Thomas Hubbard for the Space and Term of Sixteen Years
According to former Agreement made with the said Hub-
bard by the Gentlemen the Committee aforesaid Any former
Votes or Orders respecting the Power of the Select Men in Leasing
out the Towns Lands, &c. Notwithstanding.
Upon a Motion made by Mr. Jacob Parker at the Opening of
this Meeting, and now Seconded by many,
Voted, That the Committee for Erecting the Workhouse be and
hereby are permitted to carry away from Fox hill Thirty Loads of
Sand, and no more, to be Improved in Building the said Work-
house.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourn'd to Fryday next the 23d.
Currant, at Three O'Clock, After Noon.
Fryday, Sept. 23. The Town being Assembled according to
Adjournment.
Mr. Nathanael Wardell's Proposals for Erecting An Engine for
Weighing of Ha}^, Read, As follows Viz'.
To the Gentlemen the Select Men of Boston
, The Representation and Proposal of Nathanael Wardell Jun"^.
Humbly Sheweth.
That the Subscriber has Obtain'd of several Gentlemen, An En-
couraging Subscription towards Defraying the Charge of Erecting
an Engine for the Weighing of Hay ; Agreeable to Your Report to
the Town at a Public Meeting the Fifth of April last past ; And
accordingly,
Proposes for Consideration, as follows. Viz'.
That he is ready and Willing to Undertake the Erecting with all
possible Speed, within and near the Fortification, [377.] An
Engine for the Weighing of Hay, brought into this Town to Mar-
ket, without any Charge to the Town ; And to attend constantly
on that Service, And to give Such Security' As shall be required,
for his faithful Performance of that trust.
Provided, a By-Law may be made and confirmed, Whereby to
Oblige all Persons whatsoever belonging to this Town, When they
shall Buy Hay Brought to Market in Carts or other Land Carriages,
BosTOx Town Kecoeds, 1737. 177
to Cause the same to be Weigh'd at the said Engine, And the
Buyer to Pa)- therefor, after the rate of Four pence p Hundred
weight, And that the Profits and Perquisites of the said Engine be
Granted to him for the Term of Seven Years next coming, after
the same shall be so Erected and fitted for use.
All which is Humbly Submitted by,
Gentlemen,
Yo''. most Humble Servant — —
Boston, Sept. 14. 1737. . Nathaniel Wardell Jun^.
The foregoing Proposals beiag Consider'd
Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereb}' are Desired to take
Mr. Warden's Proposals under Consideration, That they prepare
the Draft of a By-Law relating to Weighing of Hay brought to
Market in Carts, or other Land Carriages, and lay the same before
the Town at their next General Town-Meeting for their Considera-
tion, and further Acting thereon.
John Read Esquire from the Committee Appointed the Twenty
first Currant to Draw up an address to the Great and General
Court, for Relief, respecting the extraordinary Charge of the Town
of Boston, in the Pay of the Members of the Honourable House of
Representatives, Reported, That They had Drafted An Address to
the General Court According to the Direction of the Town
Which He Read in his place, and then Presented it to the Moder-
ator Which being Read again with Amendments
Voted, That the same be Accepted. And is as follows, Viz*.
Province of the Massachusetts
Bay, 12'!^. October, 1737.
To His Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esquire [378.] Captain
General and Governour in Chief, the Honourable the Council, and
House of Representatives in General Court Assembled.
The Humble Petition of the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston. —
Whereas there is an Order made in the Great and General
Court on the Nineteenth of August last for just and good reasons
to raise the Allowances of the Members of the Honourable the
Council and House of Representatives to be paid out of the Public
Treasury : to which there is a clause added, that the Bills so paid
out of the Treasury Shall be drawn in again with the other Pro-
vincial Debts by Taxes.
Now therefore We most Humbly Pray this last Clause may be
alter'd So as plainly to oblige every Town to pay their respective
Representatives what shall become due to them by that Act.
And for Reasons, We would Humbly Suggest,
That Otherwise As this Town Now stands charged with One
Hundred and Eighty' Pounds of every Thousand of the Tax laid
upon One Hundred and Forty seven Towns of this Province, and
may send but Four Representatives to the General Court where
the rest of the Towns may send One and the most of them Two,
We shall be Obliged to pay not only Our own Representatives but
all the Representatives of two or three Countys besides. Now
AVhether this be Equitable or not. We humbly Submit to the
Judgment of this Honourable Court.
Moreover the Public Laws of the Province, from the first Session
178 City Document No. 66.
of the first General Court in the Province, by the Act of the
Fourth of "William and Mary, Chapter Nineteenth, have Obliged
the Several Towns, to pay their respective Representatives for *
their Travel and Attendance [379.] At the General Court: And
the uninterrupted Practice hath been according to that Law ever
since to this day. Now We are humbly of Opinion, that there
can be no more forcible Reason urged, than public Laws, and
constant Practice, with Universal Consent, from the beginning.
And Lastly, this present General Court, Since last May, in
affirmance of the same Reason and Justice as this Province hath
always acknowleged and followed, did with their common Consent,
by a public Law Enact, That a Tax should be raised upon the
several Towns for the Pa^'ment of what their respective Represen-
tatives should receive for their Travel and Attendance upon the
General Court from the beginning of the Session of this Court in
May last unto the end of the several Sessions thereof till Ma^'
next.
We are sensible that the Charge We complain of is but small
as to the quantum, but Our Case is, We have Two Thousand Nine
Hundred and Eighty two People Taxed in our Books, out of whose
Rates is abated this Year, Eight Hundred Fifty Nine Pounds,
Nineteen Shillings and Five pence most of it whole Rates of poor
People not able to pay, Two Hundred and Twenty People more in
Our Tax books, whom Our Assessors thought not Rateable for
their Poverty, besides many Hundreds more for the same
Reason not Entered in those Books at all, Our Town-charges to
the Poor this Year amounts to about Four Thousand Pounds,
besides all the Contributions of Our Churches and Societys, and
Charity of particular Persons, Our other Town Charges above Four
Thousand Pounds more, besides the Maintenance of Our Ministers,
Province and County Tax. By this means, and as We humbly
Apprehend for the extraordinary portion of the Province charge
laid upon Us by the Great and General Court Our Rates run so
high that several of Our considerable Men pay from One to Three
Hundred Pounds Tax in a Year, many that have but a House to
live in and Health to follow their Callings are Rated higher than
Country Gentlemen that can buy out Twenty such. And this Town
that is of so great importance to the Landed as well as Trading
Interest of the province is in very pressing difficulties that seem to
threaten its ruin. [S80.] So that if we should not Pray for
Relief in this Case, wherein We are burthened in our humble
Opinion contrary to plain Reason, Law, and perpetual Practiced
We might Justly fear our charges whom time to time be increase :
'till it would be impossible for us to discharge them.
Wherefore We humbly Pray for redress in the Premisses, And
Your Excellency's and Honour's Most Humble Petitioners, As in
Duty Bound, Shall ever pray.
John Read
Hugh Vans
Nath^. Cunningham.
Samuel Watts.
Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereby are Desired and
Boston Town Eecokds, 1737. 179
Directed to cause the said Address to be transcribed, And that they
sign the same, and Present it to the Great and General Court, at
their next Sitting at Salisbury the Twelfth of October next.
The Select Men Presented their Report of the Sale of the Three
Townships by public Auction, According to Order of the Town at
a Meeting the Third of May last past Read, as follows.
Viz*.
Pursuant to the Vote above, "We have attended the Service, and
have accordingl3- Sold the Three Townships, As follows. Viz*.
To John Read Esquire, the Township Number One, for One
Thousand and Twenty Pounds, Who has Paid Three Hundred and
Forty Pounds, and given his Bonds for the Payment of Three Hun-
dred and Fortj' Pounds the Thirtieth of December next, and the
remaining Sum of Three Hundred and Forty Pounds the Thirtieth
of June next (without Interest) According to the Conditions of the
Sale.
[381.] To Colonel Joseph Heath, the Township Number Two,
for One Thousand Three Hundred and Twenty Pounds, Who has
Paid Four Hundred and Forty Pounds, and given his Bonds to pa}'
the like Sum of Four Hundred and Forty Pounds On the Thirtieth
of December next, And the remaining Sum of Four Hu-ndred and
Forty Pounds on the Thirtieth of June next Ensuing, without
Interest.
The Townsliip not as yet laid out, to the Honourable Colonel
Jacob Wendell, for the Sum of Thirteen Hundred and Twenty
Pounds, for which, the Deed is not as yet given, but will be in a
few days.
So that the Money already Received by the Select Men is Seven
Hundred and Eighty Pounds, which waits to be disposed of as the
Town shall direct.
John Jeffries
JoN^. Armitage
David Collson
Boston Sept. 21. 1737. Alex^ Forsyth
Jonas Clarke
Thomas Hutchinson, Jun®.
Voted, That this Report be Accepted. And upon a Motion
made
Voted, To Chuse a Committee to Consider what may be proper
for the Town to do with the Money, which the Select Men have
already received, and what is furtlier to be Paid for the said Town-
ships, at the Periods mentioned in their Report.
Voted, That the Select Men be a Committee for that Purpose,
Who are hereby Desired to Report thereon, at the next General
Town Meeting.
Upon the Petition of Solomon Kneeland, Praying the Town
would give him One Year further for Redeeming his Land taken in
Execution by the Town Treasurer, for a [383.] Debt due to the
Town from his Son Samuel Kneeland, for whom he became bound ;
Hoping to be Able to discharge the said Debt, with Interest for the
same (which he is willing to Allow & pay) in that time, or sooner,
if the Town should see cause to indulge him herein.
Select
Men
180 City Document No. QQ.
Voted, That the Town Treasurer be, and hereby is Impowered
to Release to the said Solomon Kneeland the Land taken in Exe-
cution for the Debt of his Son Samuel Kneeland as above ;
Upon Condition, That he pay the pruicipal Sum due to the Town,
with lawfal Interest and Charges, within the Space of One Year
next ensuing.
Upon tlie Petition of Samuel Kneeland, Praying the Town would
allow him some farther Time (as his other Creditors are willing to
do) for the Payment of his Debt due to the Town Treasurer ;
Offering to give such Security for the said payment as shall be
required In answer whereto.
Voted, That this Affair be reffered to the Select Men ; Who are
Desired, and hereby Impowered to do therein As they shall Judge
most for the Interest of the Town : And that They give Directions
to the Town Treasurer accordingly.
Then the Meeting was dismist.
At the Desire of the G-entlemen the Committee for Erecting a
Work-House in the Town of Boston, and by Order of the Select
Men, the following Instrument of Subscription is here Recorded.
Boston, May 25. 1735.
Whereas the Town of Boston propose to Erect a Workhouse
wherein to Employ the [383.] Idle and indigent belonging to the
Town, Which We apprehend a very diaritable Undertaking, and
like to conduce much to the Public Interest, and good Order
thereof (Such Houses having been found very Beneficial in other
Countrys) Which House with the necessary Furniture, and some
Stock for the Poor to be Employed by, will probably Cost about
Three Thousand Five Hundred Pounds ; Wherefore to Encourage
this Laudable Enterprize, We whose Names are hereunto Sub-
scribed, Promise to pay the several Sums which We have annext to
Our respective Names to any Person or Persons appointed by said
Town to receive the same, if the Town shall proceed in this Build-
ing-
John Ruck, Fifty Pounds . . . . ,, .50,, ,,
Jacob Wendell, One Hundred Pounds . . ,, 100,, ,,
Henry Dering, One Hundred Pounds )
in Boards, at Market Price . . j
Jonathan Jackson, One Hundred Pounds} ^^^
in Nailes at Money Price . . ) "
William Tyler, One Hundred Pounds in \ ^ ^^^
Nailes at Money Price . . . J "'
James Townsend, Thirty Pounds
Jacob Royal, .....
Henry Atkins
John Hunt, One Hundred Pounds
John Hill, Twenty five Pounds .
Thomas Hubbard, One Hundred Pounds
Thomas Hill, Twenty five Pounds
Benjamin Hallowell Jun^ Thirty Pounds
James Bowdoin, One Hundred Pounds.
100
.30
.50
.30
100
.25
100
.25
.30
100
Boston Town Recoeds, 1737.
181
Green and Walker, Eighty Pounds
John Fayerweather, Fifty Pounds
Thomas Hancock, One Hundred Pounds )
in Goods at Cash price . . . j
Thomas Gushing Jun"^. Fift}^ Pounds .
William Downe, Fifty Pounds
Edward Bromfield, Fifty Pounds .
Caleb L3'man, Thirty Pounds
Daniel Henchman, Twenty five Pounds
Ebenezer Storer .....
[284.] William Young, cordwainer.
Joseph Calef .....
Nathanael Hayward .
Jonathan Foster .....
William Salter, to pay in Goods .
William Coffin
Benjamin Clarke. ....
Joshua Cheever .
John Barret, in Goods, Fifteen Pounds.
Richard Checkley ....
Peter Oliver .....
John Phillips, to pay in Goods .
John and Jonathan Simpson, to be paid in
Nailes at ready Money price, or Provis-
ions ......
Joseph Sherburn, to be paid in Goods at )
Money price ..... j
Caleb Lyman Jun"^ . .
Samuel Grant, to be Paid in Goods at Cash )
price, Twenty Pounds . . . |
William Owen, Fifteen Pounds, in Goods
Samuel Bridgham, Ten Pounds .
John Gerrish ......
John Wheelwright, in Timber at Market )
price. Fifty Pounds . . . |
Joseph Webb ......
Gershom Flagg ......
Samuel Sewall ......
Edward Marion, Ten Pounds to be paid in )
Smiths Ware ..... j
William Warner, Ten Pounds
Edward Procter, Goods . . . .
Peter Thomas ......
Joseph Procter, Ten Pounds to be paid )
in Goods ..... j
Josiah Langdon .....
Henry Pigeon .....
Hopestill Foster
John Jeffries .....
Jonathan Armitage ....
[285.] David Collson .
Alexander Forsyth . ...
.80
.50
100
.50
.50
.50
.30
.25
.30
3
2
3
1
.10
.10
5
.50
.15
.25
.80
.25
.50
.15
5
20
15
10
30
50
3
5
30
10
10
5
O
10
15
10
6
30
50
50
15
10 „
182
City Document No. Q6.
Jonas Clarke, Thirty Pounds
„ 30 ,, „
Joshua Blanchard
n 20 ,, ,,
Andrew Oliver .
„ 50 „
Francis Wells . . . ,
„ 20 ,,
Thomas Hutchinson Jun'. .
„ 30 „
Benjamin Colman
,, 25 „
Joseph Sewall .
,, 25 ,, „
John Webb
„ 25 ,, „
Eliakim Hutchinson .
„ 30 „ „
Jonathan Williams Jun"^.
„ 15 „
Joseph Hubbart in Iron Work
„ 20 „
Edward Hutchinson .
,, 30 „
Josiah Willard . . . .
,, 25 „
John Welch
,f 15 ,,
John and Richard Billings .
,, 20 „ ,,
Robert Watt
,, 20 „
William Maccarty
n 15 ,, „
Nathanael Barber
n 5 ,, ,,
Jacob Hurcl
,, 5 „ „
Jeremiah Belknap
• 5, 10 „ „
Peter Kenwood .
n 25 „ „
John Wendell
„ 30 „
Edmund Qiiincy
n 20 ,,
John Erving
,, 50 „
Cord Cordis . . . .
5, 10 „ ,,
Samuel Welles, Thirty Pounds
. „ 30 „
Abiel Walley, in Goods
5, 30 ,, „
Oxenbridge Thacher .
,, 25 „ „
Timothy Prout . . . .
„ 30 „ „
Jonathan Williams
,, 15 „
John Steel
„ 20 „ „
Andrew Eliot . . . .
„ 5 „ „
Daniel Loring .
„ 10 „
Daniel Pecker . . . .
5, 5 „
WiUiam Rand .
» 10 „
Gershom Keyes .
n 10 ,, „
Edward Tyng
„ 15 „
Edward Gray
„ 15 „ ,,
[386.] James Davenport
„ 10 ,,
Francis Warden
6 „
Thomas Hawding . . .
5 „
Thomas Foster, Six Pounds
. „ 6 „
John Draper, Five Pounds .
„ 5 „ „
William Cooper, Twenty Pounds
„ 20 „
Richard Bill
„ 50 „ ,,
John Traill, Thirty Pounds
„ 30 „ „
John Richardson
„ 90 „ „
John Spooner
. ,, 30 „ „
Andrew Lane
„ 10 „
John Kniglit
„ 25 ,,
Francis Borland, Fifty Pounds ,
„ 50 ,, ,,
James Pemberton, Fifty Pounds
„ 50 ,, „
50 „
25 „
15 „
30 „
25 „
15 „
10 „
5„
15 ,,
100,,
20 „
Boston Town Recoeds, 1737. 183
John Gooch, Fifty Pounds .
Thomas Greene, Twenty five Pounds .
John Smibert .....
Francis Gatcombe ....
John Dolbeare .....
John Goldthwait, in Masons work
Thomas Foxcroft ....
Eunice Willard .....
Peter Thacher
Peter Faneuil, One Hundred Pounds.
Joshua Gee .....
[387.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants
of tlie Town of Boston, duly qualified and warned according to
Law, Assembled in Publick Town Meeting, at the Town House,
Upon Monday the 13th. March, 1737.
Prayer being made by the Rev. Mr. William Cooper —
The Warrants for calling the Meeting Read
The Town then proceeded to the Choice of a Moderator and the
Votes being Collected and sorted, it appeared. That Mr. Thomas
Cushing Junior, was Chosen by a Majority of Votes.
Sundry Laws Read.
Sundry Petitions and Reports Read, and
Motions made.
Viz'. Petitions and Proposals,
Of the Inhabitants of Rumuey Marsh.
Of Mr. John Lovell, for addition to his
Salary.
Of Mr. Henry Howell &c. Masters of the
Engines.
Of Mr. William Haislup, about Sweeping of
Chimnies.
Of Samuel Kneeland, a Prisoner for Debt.
Reports of the Select Men,
Of the Visitation of tlie Publick Schools.
Of the Sale of a Township, to the Hon. Col.
Wendell.
Respecting the Drain from the Tombs.
Respecting W^innisimet Ferry."
Motions made,
'By Mr. Joseph Marion, as follows, Viz'.
That Whereas there is on file in the Town
Clerk's Office the Report of a Committee
of Thirty One Persons chosen and ap-
pointed the 27th. of Dec. 1708, in Which
He apprehends there are several things
proposed, that may serve the best Interest
of this Town — Therefore that the Town
Clerk be directed to collect the said Report
that it may be produced and Read in the
present Meeting. — And also. That a
Comnoittee might be Chosen, to Considej-,
184
City Document No. 66.
what may be done [388.] For the
Relief of the Town in its present difficult
Circumstances.
By Mr. Joshua Dodge, respecting the Street
Dirt, that so it might not be carried away
into the Country, but that the Town may
have the benefit of it.
The Town then proceeded to the Choice of Officers &c.
Samuel Gerrish was Chosen Town Clerk for the Year ensuing,
and sworn by Samuel Sewall Esq"".
Voted, To proceed to the Choice of Seven Select Men.
The Votes for Seven Select Men being accordingly Collected, it
appear'd, the following Gentlemen were Unanimously Chosen to
that Office for the Year ensuing.
Viz'. The Hon. John Jeffries, Esq'. ")
Capt. Jonathan Armitage.
Mr. David Collison.
Capt. Alexander Forsyth. )> Select-Men.
Capt. Caleb Lyman.
Mr. Jonas Clarke.
Mr. Thomas Hutchinson Jun"^.
Voted, That the Thanks of this Town be presented to the Gentle-
men the Select Men, for their great Care and Pains in transacting
the prudential Affairs of the Town Particularly in the Causes
still depending in the Law, between the Town and the Heirs of
Mr James Everill Intreating them patiently to persevee in
that matter.
The Hon. Joseph Wads worth Esq'', was Unanimously Chosen
Town Treasurer, for the Year ensuing.
Voted, To proceed to bring in the Votes for A County Treasurer,
this Afternoon, at Five O'Clock.
[389.] Voted, That the Collectors of Taxes for the year
ensuing be chosen distinct from the Constables.
Voted, To proceed to the Choice of Twelve Overseers of the
Poor for the Year ensuing. Accordingly. The Votes being
Collected, it Appeared, That the following Gentlemen were Chosen
into that Office.
Viz'.
The Hon. Jacob Wendell Esq^
John Ruck Esq"".
Henry Dering Esq'.
William Tyler Esq'.
Samuel Greenwood Esq'.
Capt. Jeffry Bedgood .Overseers of
Capt. John Hill • the Poor.
Mr. Thomas Hubbard
Capt. Daniel Henchman
Capt. Joshua Cheever
Mr. Edward Bromfield
Capt. William Downe J
Voted, That this Meeting be adjourned till the Afternoon, At
Three O'Clock.
Boston To^vn Records, 1737.
185
Afternoon, The Town being Assembled.
The Select Men having Audited Mr. Francis Willoughby's
Account of the Granarys for the Year past ; Their Report thereon,
as Entred in Mr. Willoughby's Book was Read, And Accepted ;
By which it Appears, That the Ballauce in the Towns favour, now
remaining in Mr. Willoughby's Hands, in Money and Grain, is Four-
teen Hundred Twent}' Two pounds. Eight Shillings and Six pence.
Voted, That the Sum of One Hundred Pounds be, and hereby is
Allowed out of the Granary Stock, to Mr. Francis Willoughby,
for his Care of the Towns Granarys the Year past, Ending the
Third of March, Current.
[390.] Voted, That the Sum of One Hundred Pounds be
allow'd, out of the Granary Stock, to Mr. Francis Willoughb}^, for
his Salary as Overseer of the Granarys for the Year ensuing, to
End the Third day of March, next.
The following Gentlemen were Chosen to the Office of Con-
stables, for the ensuing Year.
Viz'.
Mess". Alexander Chamberlain ""
Aaron Boardman
John Smith Jun^
Matthias Cussens
John Barker
Edward Winter
James Griffin
Richard Mart3'n
John Avery
John Symmes
James Bradford
Thomas Tyler
. Paid
Sworn.
Paid his Fine in 1732.
Excus'd for this year.
Sworn
j. Constables ^^.^™'
' Paid.
Paid.
Paid.
Excusd for this year.
Pakl.
Paid his fine in 1735.
Fence Viewers
Hogreves.
• -J
A List of Sundry Persons in Nomination for several Offices, in
the District of Rumney Marsh, for the Year ensuing, was Pre-
sented, And the following Persons were Chosen into the several
Offices mentioned, for the Year ensuing. Accordingly. Viz'.
Mr. Samuel FI03TI .... Constable. Sworn.
Mr. John Floyd "I
Mr. Edward Tuttle j
Mr. John Hasey Sealer of Leather.
Mr Samuel Tuttle Jun^ )
Mr. John Tuttle j
Mr. Elisha Tattle Ha ward.
Voted, To proceed to the Choice of Seven Assessors for the
Year Ensuing. Accordingl}^ The Votes being Collected, It appear'd
the following [391.] Gentlemen were Chosen to that Office,
Viz'.
Mess". Daniel Loring
John Staniford
Richard Buckley.
Peter Thomas
Joshua Blanchard
Andrew YA'iot
William Thomas
Assessors.
186
City Document No. 6Q.
According to Order, as Entred in the Forenoon,
The Town proceeded to bring in their Votes for a Count}^ Treas-
urer, Which being Collected were Sealed up by Mr. Edward Winter
Constable, by him to be kept and return'd unto the next Quarter
Sessions to be held for the County of Suffolk, According to Law.
The following Gentlemen were Chosen to the Office of Constables,
for the Year Ensuing. Viz*.
Mes^
^
,
• • •
Paid.
^
• • •
Paid.
Con-
Paid his Fine
in 1734
stables
. ■ .
Paid.
Paid.
Paid.
John Osborne Jun"^.
Jacob Wendell Juu
Simeon Stoddard .
Joseph Green . i
James Boutineau
Nathanael Loring Jun"^ J
The Petition of Mr. Henry Howell and Others, Masters of the
Fire Engines, in behalf of themselves and their respective Com-
panys Praying They may be Excused from Serving in other Town
Offices the year ensuing As usual Accordingly, A Question
was put, Whether the Prayer of the Petitioners should be Granted.
Voted, in the Affirmative.
A Report of the Select-Men, respecting the Township Sold to the
Hon. Col. Wendell being Presented, was Read, and is as follows,
Viz*.
To the Inhabitants of Boston, in Town-Meeting Assembled, the
13. March, 1737.
[392.] Agreeable to the Report of the Select Men made the
Twenty first of September last, relating to the Sale of the Three
Townships We have this Day Executed a Deed to the Hon.
Jacob Wendell Esq'', for the Township not as yet laid out ; And
have taken Bonds from Him for Thirteen Hundred and Twenty
Pounds, being tlie Sum the said Township was Sold for.
John Jeffries
Jonathan Armitage
David Collson
Alexander Forsyth
Caleb Lyman
Jonas Clarke
Thomas Hutchinson JUN^
Voted, That this Report be Accepted.
Voted, To Chuse Eight Clerks of the Market for the Year En-
suing, Accordingly,
The following Persons were Chosen to that Office,
Viz'.
y Select Men.
Clerks of the Market
Mess". Jabez Hunt .
Richard Salter
Thomas Tjder
Joseph Gale .
Joseph Sherburn
Samuel Henchman
Thomas Savage
Edward Brazier
The following Persons were Chosen to the Office of
Leather, for the Year Ensuing.
Viz'.
Sworn
Excus'd.
Paid
Sworn
Paid
Paid.
Sworn.
Sealers of
Boston Towk Records, 1737. 187
Sworn
Sworn
Sealers of Leather . ^^^^^
Sworn
Mess". Samuel May
Joseph Starr
William Young
James Dawson
John Allin .
Robert "Williams J .... . Sworn
[293.] The following Persons were Chosen Hogreves, for the
year ensuing. Viz'.
Mess'^^ Edward Emerson^
John Cornish ^t
c^ 1 T> r Hogreves. b
Stephen Rogers } ° Sworn.
Joseph Calef J . . . . Excus'd
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned till Tomorrow Morning,
At Nine O'Clock.
Tuesday, March, 14th.
The Town being Assembled, According to Adjournment.
The Select Men Reported Their Examination of Mr. Jonathan
"Williams's Account of the Granary, after the Death of his Father,
from the 10th. March, 1736, to the 22nd. July, 1737. And also
that he had paid the Ballance of the same, being Twelve Hun-
dred and Seven Pounds, Six shillings and Two pence, in full
discharge thereof. As Entre'd in Mr. Williams's Book.
Voted, That the Report on Mr. "Williams's Account of the
Granary, be Accepted.
The Report of the Select Men, of their Visitation of the Pablick
Schools, being presented, was Read, as follows. Viz'.
Pursuant to a Vote of the Town of Boston, at their Annual
Meeting in March last past. Desiring the Select Men to Visit the
several Publick Schools in the Town, Accompanied by such
Gentlemen as they should think proper, and to Report thereon,
They accordingly Report, That on the 28th. of June, last, the}'
Attended that Service — Accompanied by,
The Hon. Edward Hutchinson Esquire.
The Hon. Richard Bill Esquire.
John Read Esquire.
[394.] The Rev. Mr. Nathanael Williams.
The Rev. Mr. Thomas Prince.
The Rev. Mr. John Webb.
The Rev. Mr. Samuel Checkley.
The Rev. Mr. William Welsteed.
The Rev. Mr. Joshua Gee, and
Mr. Thomas Cashing, Junior.
And found the said Schools under a good Regulation.
John Jeffries. ^
Jonathan Armitage.
David Collson. \
Boston, Mar. Alexander Forsyth. )■ Select Men.
9''', 1737. Caleb Lyman
Jonas Clarke
Thomas Hutchinson jun*"
Voted, That the Select Men be and hereby- are desired to Visit
188 City Document No. QQ.
the Publick Schools within this Town the Year ensuing, And that
they Desire such Gentlemen to A.ccompany them, As they shall
think proper. And that they Report, to the Town the Condition
the find them in.
A Report of the Select Men relating to the Drain from the
Tombs in the South Burying Place, was presented, and Read, As
follows, Viz'.
The Select Men upon Enquiry into the Circumstances of the
Affair above mentioned, found that by the Removal of the Granary
according to the Towns Order, the Course of the said Drain was
Stopp'd and the Tombs thereby fiU'd with Water, And great
Complaint made thereof by the Proprietors, — We therfore Judg'd
it absolutely Necessary to Cause a New Drain to be made, which
goes on the North side of the Granary, And which We Apprehend
Answers the End propos'd to the Town — And Fifty feet thereof
being carried [295.] On by the Committee for the Work House,
the whole Work has created as little Charge to the Town, as ma^'be.
John Jeffries. ^
John Armitage
David Coelson
Mar. 6, 1737. Alexander Forsyth ^Select Men.
Caleb Lyman
Jonas Clarke
Thomas Hutchinson Jun''
Voted, That this Report be Accepted.
A Memorial of Mr. William Haislup, Representing the Diffi-
culties this Town is at present under, with respect to the Sweeping
ofChimnies; And Offering some proposals for Undertaking that
Business, for a Term of Years, upon Certain Condition Read.
And after some Debate thereon.
Voted, That the Consideration of this Affair be referred to the
Select Men, And that they be Desired to Treat with Mr. Haislup,
or any other Person, on the Subject Matter of these Proposals
And Provided He, or any Other Person or Persons shall
Appear to Undertake the Business of Chimnej'-Sweeping, that then
They the Select Men be, and herebj^ are desired, to prepare a By-
Law, Or Orders Relating thereto, and lay the same before the
Town at their next General Town-Meeting — For Approbation.
The Select Mens Report of the present state of Wiilisimet Ferry
Read, as follows. Viz'.
Pursuant to a Vote of tliis Town as above The Select
Men have given Publick Notice of Leasing out the Ferry between
the Town and Winnisimet, for a Term of Years ; But there has
been no Offers made as jet,, to take a Lease of it, Under its
present Circumstances.
[296.] John Jeffries ")
Jonathan Armitage
David Collson j
Alexander Forsyth J- Select Men.
Caleb Lyman
Jonas Clarke
Thomas Hutchinson Jun''.
Boston Mar. )
13th. 1737. (
Boston Town Records, 1737.
189
Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereby Are Desired and
Iinpowered to Lease Out Winnisimet Ferrj' for a Term of Years,
Or from Year to Year, in the best Manner the}' can, for the advan-
tage of the Town.
The Petition ot Mr. John Lovell, Master of the South Grammar
School, Pra3-ing fur an Addition to his Salary, for Reasons Men-
tioned Read,
Voted, That the Sum of Forty Pounds p Annum be Added to the
Salar}' of Mr. John Lovell for his further Encouragement and
Support as Master of the Soutli Grammar Scliool, in Answer to his
Petition, To Commence from the next Quarterly Payment Viz', the
8th. of April next.
A Petition of Samuel Kneeland, a Prisoner in His Majesty's
Goal, for a Debt due to the Town Praying the Town to for-
give him the said Debt, Or, to Allow him Tliree j^ears Time to
pay it in. Read.
Voted, That this Petition be refer'd to the Select Men ; Who are
hereby Desired and Impowered to do therein, as the}^ shall judge
most for the Interest of the Town.
The following Persons were Chosen to the Office of Constables,
for the Y'ear ensuing. Viz'.
[291,^ Mess". NathanaelVal ^ . . . Paid.
Thomas Newman . . . Paid.
Francis Beteilhe . . . Excus'd.
John Salmon J' Constables . Paid.
Albert Dennie . . . Excus'd.
Joseph How . . . Excus'd.
William Bowdoin J . . . Paid.
The following Persons were Chosen Scavengers, for the Year
ensuing.
Viz'.
Mess". John Taylor
David Jeffries
Benjamin Emmons
Ebenezer Storer
Jeremiah Belknap
Nathanael Gardner
Joshua Dodge
George Skinner y Scavengers.
John Charnock
Francis Warden
Thomas Boucher
George Monk
Jonathan Loring
John Lambert
John Bennet
The following Persons were Chosen Clerks of the Market, for
the year ensuing.
Viz'.
Mess". Walter Goodridge . ") . . Sworn.
Henry Gibbon. . V- Clerks of the Market
John Smith (Brewer) ) . . Sworn.
190 CiTr Document No. 66.
Upon a Motion made, It was Proposed to the Town Whether
the}' would proceed to the Choice of Tjthing-Men ? It pass'd
in the Negative.
Mr. Joseph Gronard was Chosen One of the Hogreves in the
Room of Mr. Calef who is Excus'd.
[398.] The following Persons were Chosen to the Office of
Fence-Viewers, for the Year ensuing. Viz'.
Mess". Joseph Russell, . Sworn
John Indicot . Sworn
Hopestil Foster . Sworn
Caleb Ray . . Sworn )■ Fence- Viewers.
Benjamin Russell Sworn
John Pierce
Thomas Jones
The following Persons were Chosen Surveyors and Measurers of
Boards, Plank, Timber, Shingles &c. Viz'.
Mess". Edward Moberly ^ . . . . Sworn.
Edward Richards | .... Sworn.
WiUiam Pain ! ^7-. j- ou- 1 o Sworn.
-,,r ,,, u 1 > Viewers of Shingles &c. Q
Matthew Barnard } '=' Sworn.
Joseph White j ....
Joseph Rix j . . . . Sworn.
Voted, To proceed to the Choice of Three Viewers and Cullers
of Staves Accordingly the following Persons were Chosen
to that Office — Viz'.
Mess". Robert Breck . ^
John H[elyer Sworn > Cullers of Staves.
Edward Potter )
Voted, That the Select Men be Surveyors of High Ways, for the
Year ensuing.
Voted, That Mr. Isaac Gridley be Surveyor of Hemp, for the
Year ensuing.
Voted, That Mr. Richard-Carter Cowel be Haward or Field-
driver the Year ensuing.
A Petition of Sundry of the Inhabitants of the District of Rum-
ney-Marsh, in the Township [399.] Of Boston, Praying to be
Set Off from this Town, in Order to their being Incorporated into
a Separate Township, Read.
Voted, That this Affair be Refer'd to the next General Town-
Meeting And that in the mean Time, A Committee of Five
Gentlemen be specially Chosen and Appointed, to Consider What
may be proper for the Town to do thereon And Report their
Opinion at the said Meeting. Accordingly.
Voted That Mr. Thomas Cushing Jun"^.
Samuel Adams Esq''.
Mr. Andrew Tyler
Mr. Robert Rand
Mr. Jacob Parker
Be a Committee for the Ends aforesaid.
Mess". Joseph Gerrish ^
Isaac W^inslow Jp ,, Paid.
John Green (Merch'.) i^^onstaDies p^.^_
John Simpson (Brazier) j ... Paid.
Were Chosen Constables for the year ensuing.
BosTOisr Town Eecords, 1737.
191
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Three O'Clock, this
Afternoon .
Year
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
. S n-orn
Paid )■ Constables.
Excus'd
Sworn
Sworn
. Paid
Afternoon, The Town being Assembled.
The following Persons were Chosen Constables for the
ensuing.
Viz'. Mss" John Jenkins
John Flowers
John Palling
John Harris
Nicholas Cussens.
John Blackader .
Benjamin Babbidge
Thomas Valentine
Harrison Gray
[300.] Whereas, at a Public Town Meeting the 11th. March
1733. It was Voted, " That a Row of Posts with a Rail on the Top
" of them be set up and continued thro' the Common from the
"Burning Place to CoP. Fitch's fence, leaving Openings at the
" several Streets and Lanes." And it being now represented,
and complained of. That the Common is much broken, and the
herbage spoiled, by means of Carts &c. passing and repassing over
it Wherefore, In Order to prevent this Inconvenience and
Damage, for tlie future.
Voted, That there be but One Entrance or Passage for Carts,
Coaches &c. Out of Common Street, into the Common oj Training
Field, to be left Open near the Granary, to go up along by the
Work House to Beacon Street And that the other Gaps or
Inlets afore mentioned be closed up with Posts aud Rails, as the
rest.
Voted, To proceed to the Choice of Three Collectors of Taxes
within this Town, Exclusive of the Collector for Rumney Marsh.
Accordingly, The Votes being bro't in and Sorted, it Appear'd,
That the following Gentlemen were Chosen Collectors of Taxes,
for the year ensuing. Viz'.
Capt. Daniel Pecker ^
Mr. Nathanael Barber V Collectors.
Mr. Jacob Sheafe )
Voted That Mr. Samuel Floyd be the Collector of Rates and
Taxes within the District of Rumney Marsh the 3'ear ensuing.
Voted, That Nine pence upon the Pound he and hereb}^ is
Allowed to the Several Collectors of Taxes within the Town of
Boston for the Year ensuing They Giving Bond with Sufficient
Sureties, for the faithful discharge of their said Otfice, to the Sat-
isfaction of the Select Men.
[301.] Upon the Motion of Mr. Richard Buckley relating to
the Slii) at the lower end of Wood Lane,
Voted, That a Committee be Chosen of Three Gentlemen to
Consider the Circumstances of the said Slip — to know the Mind
of the Neighbourhood relating to the Filling up the same. And to
Report their Opinion What may be proper for the Town to Do
thereon, at the next General Town Meeting.
192 City Docibient No. GQ.
Voted, That The Hon. Edward Hutchinson Esq'.
Mr. Andrew Tyler
Capt. Daniel Henchman
be a Committee for the Ends aforesaid.
Mess" Moses Eayres . ) r^ ^ ui Sworn.
-f Ai- 4. ^Constables ^ -i
James Mi not . ) raid.
Were Chosen Constables for the Year Ensuing.
Voted, That the Town Treasurer's Accounts, together with the
Allowance for his Service in that Office the year past, And the
Choice of a Committee to Audit the Treasurers Accounts the
Year ensuing, be Referr'd for Consideration at the next General
Town Meeting.
Voted, That the Raising of Money for Relief of the Poor, and
Defraying Other Necessary Charges, the year ensuing be Referr'd
to the next General Town Meeting.
A List of Persons Qualified to serve On the Petit Jury being
presented by the Select Men, Was Read, and Approved.
JMr. John Otis, was Chosen Constable for the ^-ear ensuing.
Upon the Motion of Mr. Joseph Marion, made at the Opening of
this Meeting
Voted. That the Town Clerk be, and hereby is directed [303.]
To search for the Report referr'd to bj- Mr. Marion, and produce
the same at the next General Town Meeting, in Order to its being
Read in the Audience of the Inhabitants.
Upon a Motion made and Seconded.
Voted, That the Thanks of this Town be Presented to Mr.
Thomas Gushing jun'. the Moderator, for his great Pains in Reg-
ulating, and Dispatching the Business of this Meeting.
Then the Meeting was Dismiss'd.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of Boston,
duly qualified, and lawfully warned, in public Town Meeting
Assembled, at the Town House, Upon Wednesdaj', May, 10th,
Anno Domini, 1738.
Prayer was made, by the Reverend Mr. Samuel Checkley.
Then,
The Warrants for Calling the Meeting were Read.
The Sheriff's Precept, Read —
Sundry Laws — Read —
The Select Men propos'd to the Inhabitants, to proceed to the
Choice of a Person, or Persons to serve for, and Represent them
in a Great and General Court, or Assembly, to be held the 31st.
of May current, at Boston aforesaid.
Voted, to proceed to the Choice of Four Representatives
The ^otes for Four Representatives [303.] Being accordingly
Collected, the Number of Voters were found to be . . 481
The Votes being vSorted, It Appear'd, the Four Gentlemen
following were duly Elected by a Majority of the Votes, Viz'.
No. of Votes.
Mr. Thomas Gushing Jun"" 468.
Mr. Thomas Hutchinson Jun' 359.
John Read Esq-^ 289.
Major Samuel Sewall . . , , . 295.
Boston Town Records, 1738. 193
The Choice of Representatives being Ended, The Select Men,
declared the same And the Town proceeded to the Choice
of a Moderator.
The Votes for a Moderator being brought in, It Appeared, That
Mr. Thomas Cushing Jun"". was Chosen Unanimousl}'.
A Motion was made by Mr. Jonathan Williams and Seconded
That the Town would please to give Instructions to
their Representatives.
Mr. Nathanael Wardel Jun'". made a Motion, Viz'. That the
Town would please to revive their Vote or Order, respecting
his proposals for Undertaking to Erect an Engine for the
"Weighing of Ha}*, and Attending upon that Business
As Entred the 23d. of Sept. last past.
Several Petitions being Presented Tlie Reading of them
was defer'd 'till Afternoon.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Three O'Clock, After-
noon.
Afternoon, The Town being Assembled according to Adjourn-
ment.
[304.] Several Petitions were Read, Viz'.
Of Mr. John Hooton.
Of Mr. Samuel Bass.
Of Mr. Samuel Hol3'oke.
Of Mr. Jolm Procter.
Of Capt. Daniel Pecker and Others \
Collectors for the Year, 1737 J
Mr. Thomas Hutchinson Jun^ in the Name and Behalf of Mr.
Peleg WiswaL^ Master of the North Grammar School That the
Town would please to allow him an Usher in the said School
At least for some part of the Year, when the School is most
numerous.
Several Reports were Read, Viz'.
The Select Mens Report of a Bill to be pass'd into a Bj'-Law
For making Effectual Provision for the Regular and Seasonable
Sweeping of Chimnics.
Report of a Committee On the Petition of the Inhabitants of
Rumney Marsh.
Report of a Committee respecting the Towns-Slip, at the lower
end of Wood-Lane.
Upon a Motion made b}^ Mess''^ Daniel Loring and Andrew
Eliot, Viz'. That the Town would please to Excuse them from
Serving in the Office of Assessors the Year ensuing being
Chosen to that Service in March last,
Voted That Mess". Daniel Loring and Andrew Eliot be, and
hereby are Excused Accordingly.
Mess". Jacob Parker
William Salter
were Chosen Assessors, for the Year ensuing.
[305.] Mess". Jonathan Read I (.^,^^^^,^^^^ . Sworn.
William More j . Sworn.
were Chosen Constables for the Year ensuing.
194 City Document No. GQ.
Mess". Harvey Thomas. Sworn "^
Joseph Savell ( Viewers & Cullers
Samuel Green. Sworn ( of Staves
Samuel Gooding J
were Chosen Viewers and Cullers of Staves.
Voted, That Mr. Richard Salter be, and hereby is Excused
from Serving as Clerk of the Market, the 3'ear ensuing.
Mess". Ezekiel Needham Sworn 1
Joseph llalsey Jun'. Sworn > Clerks of Market.
John Compton Sworn )
were Chosen Clerks of the Market, the year ensuing.
Mr. Ebenezer Wallis, was Chosen A Sealer of Leather.
Mess" Dudson Kilcup . . . Excus'd ) „ ^,
David Mason . . . Excus'd J ^
were Chosen Ilogreves for the year ensuing.
Mess". John Scollay . . . Sworn ) ^t
T All Q r Hogreves
James Alexander . . Sworn ) °
were Chosen Hogreves for the year ensuing.
Mr. Cushing from the Committee Appointed the 13"^. of March
last, to Consider the Petition of Sundry Inhabitants of the District
of Rumney Marsh Praying to be sett Off from this Town, in
Order to their being Incorporated into a Separate and distinct
Township Presented their Report Which was Read,
And is as follows. Viz'.
The Committee Appointed to Consider of the foregoing Petition,
have Attended that Service And having had a Conference
with Sundr}^ of the Principal Petitioners, have heard all they had to
Offer in Support [306.] Of said Petition And after mature
Deliberation had thereon. The Committee are of Opinion
That as to any inconvenience which either does now, or may
hereafter Attend the Petitioners with respect to the Support of
their present Minister, Or in Settling and Supporting any others
in time to come. It may full^- be redressed by their being made a
Precinct, when the}' shall Petition for that purpose and it be
Judg'd reasonable.
As to any difficulties the Petitioners Apprehend they are now
under, with respect to the School, the due apportioning the Taxes,
and their High Ways — The Committee are of Opinion — That the
Town may give relief (as they think needful) in a more reasonable
Manner than by Voting them Off a distinct Township.
And We are therefore, on the whole. Of Opinion that this Pe-
tition be dismissal.
All which is humbly Submitted.
P
Thomas Cushing Jvth^.
Samuel Adams,
Ma}', 8th, 1738. Andrew Tyler
Robert Rand,
Jacob Parker
After some Debate —
Voted, That this Report be Accepted — And That the Petition
be accordingly Dismiss'd.
Boston Town Eecoeds, 1738. 195
The Report of a Committee appointed tlie 14 March, 1736, to
Audit the Town Treasurers Accounts, for the 3-ear past, As
Entred in the Treasurer's Book, Was Read, Accepted and
Voted, That the Treasurer be discharged Accordingly.
Voted, A Grant of Eight Thousand Sis [307.] Hundred
Pounds, to be Raised by a Tax upon Polls and Estates, within
the Town of Boston ; for Relief of the Poor, and Defraying other
necessary Charges, Arising within and for said Town, the 3'ear
ensuing.
Upon a Motion made and seconded, respecting the Town
Treasurers Allowance The following Question was put.
Viz'. Whether any larger Allowance should be made to the Town
Treasurer, than what has been formerly made him ?
Voted in the AfBrmative.
Voted, That the Sum of One Hundred and Eight}^ Pounds be,
and hereby is Allowed, to be paid to the Honourable Joseph
Wadsworth Esquire, Town Treasurer, for his Service in that
Office the year past.
The following Gentlemen were Chosen Auditors of the Town
Treasurers Accounts for the year ensuing. Viz*.
The Hon. Edward Hutchinson Esquire.
The Hon. Ezekiel Lewis Esquire.
The Hon. Anthony Stoddard Esquire.
Mr. John Arbuthnot
Hugh Hall Esquire.
Upon the Petition of Mr. John Hooton, Praying — that the
Waste Water which runs from Fishstreet upon Gallop's Wharf, so
called, ma}' be caused to run into the Slip at the lower End of
Wood Lane, for Reasons in said Petition mentioned ;
Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereby are Desired to
Consider the Subject Matter of this Petition, and Impowerecl to Act
in that Affair, according to their Discretion.
The Motion (which was made, at the Opening this Meeting) for
giving Instructions to the Representatives being taken under
Consideration, After some Debate thereon,
[308.] Voted, To Chuse a Committee to Draw up Instruc-
tions accordingly. Upon the following Heads, Viz'. Concerning the
Trade of this Province, and the Paper Cui;renC3' ; The Extraor-
dinary Proportion of the Public Taxes, the}' apprehend this Town
pays ; And also relating to the Dividing the County of Suffolk.
And that the Committee be desired to lay the same before the
Town — for their Consideration, At the (intended) Adjournment
of this Meeting.
Voted, Tliat the Number of this Committee be Five.
Voted, That Capt. Nathanael Cunningham,
Mr. Hugh Vans
Mr. Peter Thomas
Mr. James Allen,
Mr. Edward Bromfield
be a Committee for the Ends aforesaid.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Wednesday next, the
17th. Current, At Three O'Clock Afternoon.
196 City Document No. Q6.
Wednesclay, May, 17tb. The Town being Assembled,
The Select Mens Report of the Draught of A Bill to be PassM
into a By-Law, for making Effectual Provision for the regular and
seasonable Sweeping of Chimnies Read, as follows Viz'.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston, dul}' Qualified, and Warned as the Law
directs, in Town Meeting Assembled, the Tenth of May,
1738.
For the Making Effectual Provision for the regular and season-
able Sweeping the Chimnies of this Town
[309.] It is Voted and Ordered.
That the Select Men of the Town, for the Time being, be hereby
Directed and Impowered, from time to time, to Appoint One or
more Sutable Persons to be Sweepers of Chimnies within this
Town, AVho shall give Security-, to the Satisfaction of the Select
Men, for their good Behaviour in said Office, And Whose Wages
for their Work and service shall not exceed the rates hereafter
mentioned.
Viz*.
For Each Chimny of Five Stories high. Three Shillings.
Of Four Stories high. Two Shillings and Six pence.
Of Three Stories high, Two Shillings.
All other Common Chimnys, Twent}' pence.
And all Kitchen Chimnys that are above the Tops of the
House they belong to, in proportion to the heighth of the
House, at the Rates above.
And If any Person whomsoever Who is not so Appointed, as
aforesaid. Shall presume, either b}^ himself or servant, to under-
take the Sweeping of an}- Chimn}' in this Town, Except such
Chimny or Chimnies as are under his or their own Improvement,
Shall Forfeit and Pay the sum of Twenty Shillings for every such
Offence.
And it is further Ordered.
That ever}' Person or Persons so appoiuted bj* the Select Men,
to be Undertakers of Chimny-Sweeping, Shall be Obliged within
Fort}' eight Hours (After Notice given them in writing) either by
themselves, or some other Person (to be Approved by the Select
Men) duly to Attend the Sweeping of such Chimn3% On Penalty
of Forfeiting the Sum of Twenty Shillings, for every such neglect.
And it is further Ordered.
That upon Complaint made to any of the Select Men, either by
the Chimny Sweepers, Or by any Other of the Inhabitants of this
Town, Against any Person or Persons neglecting to have their
Chimnys Swept, being foul, that in everj- such case, the Select
Men, or any two of them, are hereby* Impowered to Inspect and
View the said Chimny or Chimnys complained against, as afore-
said ; And if the}' judge the [310.] Said Chimnies, or any of
them unsafe, to make or keep Fire therein, by reason of their being
foul, and want of Sweeping, and Signif}' the same to the Person or
Persons then in Possession of the Tenement to which such Chimn}''
doth belong. That then, and in every such Case, the Occupier of
Boston Town Recoeds, 1738. 197
eveiy sncli House or Tenement shall forfeit and pay the sum of
Five Shillings for e\evy Day in which Fire shall be kept in such
Chimn}', until the same shall be sufficiently Swept.
And it is further Ordered.
That if any Chimn}- shall take Fire, and blaze out at the top,
thro' foulness or for want of Sweeping, the Occupier of the House
shall forfeit and pay the sum of Twenty Shillings Unless
it shall happen within Thirt}' Days After said Chimn}' shall have
been swept ; And then, And in such Case, the Person who last
swept the same, shall forfeit and pay the aforesaid Fine of Twenty
Shillings ; Pi-ovided, the said Fire shall be Occasioned thro' foul-
ness, or his defect in Sweeping.
This Order to continue and be in Force, for the Space of Three
Years, And no longer.
The foregoing Order having been Read several times
Voted That the same be Accepted : And that the Select Men be
Desired to present it to 3'^. Court of General Sessions of the Peace,
next to be holden at Boston for the Count}- of Suffolk, for their
Approbation.
The Petition of Capt. Daniel Pecker and Others Collectors of
Taxes, for the Year, 1737, Praying that the Assessors may be al-
lowed to sot upon Abatements until the last Day of September
next, for Reasons mentioned. Read.
Voted. That the Prayer of the Petitioners be Granted.
[311.] A Petition of Mr. Samuel Bass, Praying that the
Town would please to Impower their Select Men, to make Sale of
a Peice of Land, belonging to the Town, which is in his Occupa-
tion, and adjoins to his Own Land, in Water Street, And to Exe-
cute a good Deed in the Law for the same, to him, for a valuable
Consideration Read.
Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereb}^ are Desired to Con-
sider the Subject Matter of this Petition, And that they Report
their Opinion thereon, at the next General Town Meeting.
Capt. JSathanael Cunningham, from tlie Committee Appointed
the 10th. instant, to Dravv up Instructions for the Representatives,
Presented a Draught which the}- had accordingly Prepared —
And laid the same before the Town for their Consideration.
Which are as follows. Viz'.
To Messieurs Thomas Cushing Jun''.
Thomas Hutchinson Jun^. John Read, and
Samuel Sewall, Esquires.
Gentlemen,
We the Freeholders, and Other Inhabitants of the Town of
Boston, dul}' qualified and regularl}' Assembled, Having Chosen
You for Our Representatives, to Appear for Us in tlie Great
and General Court of this Province, for the year ensuing;
And Wliereas, This Province in general, as well as this Town in
particular, lal)our under the greatest hardships difficulties and dis-
tresses upon many Accounts, And which are daily growing and
increasing upon Us, without any signal prospect of relief ;
And Although in the General You are Intrusted with All Our
Poweis And We cannot but Hope, that You will consult the
198 City Docuiment No. G6.
General Good of the Province as well as the Particular Advantage
of this Town
[312.] Yet, Esteeming it Our Duty in this unhappy Juncture
of Affairs, to Request of You, to Exert All Your Powers in Con-
junction with the other Worthy Members of the Honourable House
of Representatives, to Guard against, and Defend Us from All En-
croachments that may be Attempted against Our Natural Rights,
and Charter Privileges And that it may not be Objected to
You b}- any Person whatever, that You do not Act agreeable to the
Mind of Your Principals, upon several importants Heads,
We would in a more especial manner earnestly' Recommend to
You
I. Our Trade, Wliich labours under Utmost Discouragements
by the extremity of low Markets abroad. Our Neighbouring Gov-
ernments, Especially Rhode Island, who are daily Rivalling of us,
in Our Trade and Medium or Paper Currency, And the liberty they
have of Importing the Surplussage of all their Commodities, Foreign
and Domestick into this Province for Sale at such Easy rates. And
Our Excessive Taxes. Add to them Our Impost to be Paid in
Silver and Gold, And the many frauds practiced in the Quality,
Weight, and Measure of almost all Commodities, either Consumed
amongst Us, Or bought up for Foreign Markets. These altogether
are such Burthens as are insupportable. And if not rectified, will in-
danger the Trade of the whole Province ; For it is evident beyond
Contradiction, That if Rhode Island can make what Paper Bills
they please. And Our Hands are tyed, so that We can make none
And yet Our Necessities should Oblige Us to take theirs,
And part with valuable Commodities, Na3% even Our Lands for
them — If we continue to be heavily Taxed, whilst the^' are free
from Taxes, What Advantages are there which they will not have over
this Province? The}' may Purchase it all in a few years, if they go
on, and increase in proportion to wlint tliey have done in Seven years
past. And therefore. In Order [313.] To increase Our Trade,
We Apprehend, it will be absolutely Necessary to have a Sufficient
IVIedium, under good Regulations and reject theirs. And to lessen
Our Taxes, especiall}^ Our Impost. And a further Encouragement
to Our Ti'ade will be, to Enact that a Draw-back be allowed upon
all Foreign Goods imported, upon which there is a Duty paid,
Upon their being re-exported. As is highly reasonable, And the
well knovvn Practice of Our Mother Country.
II. And Whereas We Apprehend Ourselves grievoush' Oppressed
by a very large and disproportionable partof the Province Tax laid
upon Us for Several Years past, compared with the proportion paid
by Other Towns within this Province, and however the proportion
may have been heretofore thought i-easonable Yet, as all
things are liable to mutation, so the Circumstances of this Town of
late years are exceedingly Altered, by reason Several Maritime
Towns within this Province are continually Rivalling of Us, And
have actuall}^ Stripped Us of several Valuable Branches of Trade,
which must necessarily render Us less able to pay Our wonted Tax,
Whilst they are more able, and ought to pay much larger, than
they have heretofore done. And Although We have often Com-
Boston Town Eecoeds, 1738. 199
plained Yet hitherto have had little or no redress, And as
the Scarcity of Bills of Credit, and the Decay of Our Trade and
lessening Our Navigation increases upon Us, So Our Taxes ought
to be reduced in proportion.
And therefore, We Earnestl}^ Desire You to Scrutinize into the
Circumstances, Trade, and Taxes of the Several Towns within this
Province, And so Endeavour that Oar proportion of the Public
Province Tax may be reduced According to Our Circumstances At
this Day, compared with Other Towns.
III. Our Bills of Public Credit, which are of the Utmost Con-
cern to the General Interest of this Province, As well as the Tj'ud-
ing Towns in particular — And as the distressing Circumstances
of this Province [314,] Are increasing upon Us in proportion to
their being called in and destroyed, without sutable Provision
being made for somewhat to pass as a Medium in lieu thereof, So
the Consequence must be terrible, if not fatal to this Province.
And therefoi'e. We stongl}^ Injoin You not to consent to any fur-
ther Supply of the Treasury for any growing Charge of the Prov-
ince Unless the Funds for discharging the same be put on sutable
Years after Seventeen Hundred and Forty One. And as the Taxes
are Exceeding high already. And that We may not be left a prey
to the arbitrary will of every Officer, who may Occasionally have
A Demand upon Us in relation to his Fees, We would therefore
Recommend to You that You Use Your Utmost Endeavour that
the Fees of the Officers may be fixed and ascertained to prevent
Oppression, Uncertainty, and Disputes, which will necessarily
Arise, Unless some good law be made to prevent the same. — And
that no greater Fines be laid upon the Militia, unless the same be
appropriated towards defraying the Charge and Expence of such
Town to which they belong, According to the Design of Acts
alread}^ made for that purpose.
We likewise Injoin You to Oppose the foreclosing the Delibera-
tions of future Assemblies between this, and Seventeen Hundred
and Forty One, relating to the Bills of Public Credit of the Old
Tenor ; but that the}^ may be left free to Act when the Years shall
come, According as they shall judge most Advisable for the safety
of the Province.
And inasmuch as past Assemblies have interrupted the Opera-
tion of the Province Bills of the Old Tenor, and have not suffered
them to pass according to the true intent of their Emission, but
have made Bills of a New Tenor to Exchange the Old Bills, So that
the very Nature of them are intirely alter'd, which will inevitably
Cause the utmost perplexity in the Affairs of the Province
[315.] Therefore, We likewise Injoin You to Use Your ut-
most Power and Influence to Obtain An Act for striking off so
many Bills of the Old Tenor, as will re-exchange all the Bills of
the New Tenor already exchanged for the Old, That thereby the
said Old Bills may 0|)crate according to their Funds, and as shall
be most consistent with the safot}' of this Province.
And, that the growing Charge of this Province added to the
Funds already laid for calling in all Our Paper Currency by Seven-
teen Hundred and Forty One, may be set in a true light to
200
City Document No. 66.
shew the impractibility if not the impossibility of its being done,
without causing the Utmost Confusion, if not Destraction^of this
Province :
We herewith present You with the following Account
£ s d
1738. Fund for Calling in this present |
Year, the Sura of . . . | ^'^'^ '» >»
The Representatives Pay, for the )
Current Year . . . . | ^^^^ " "
i Part of the Other Charge of the ) , „„„„
Current Year. . . . | ^^^^^ "
.61875 ,,
1739.
Fund for Calling in that Year . 38025 ,,
The Representatives Pay for 1738 4000 ,,
i Part of the Province Charge on) .nrvnrv
the year 1738 . . . j ^^^^^ "
^ Part of the Charge of the Current
1740.
Year
Fund for Calling in that Year
The Representatives Pay for 1738 .
^ Part of the Province Charge the ")
Year 1738 . . . . )
J Part of the Province Charge the
Year 1739 .
^ the Province Charge for that Cui
rent Year
13333 ,,
6.5338 „
46525 „
4000 „
10000 ,,
I 13333 „
'"'■" I 20000 „
.93858 „
[316.] 1741. Fund for Calling in .
The Representatives Pay, for 1738
J Part of the Province Charge the
year 1738
^ Part of Ditto, 1739 .
^ the Province Charge of 1740 .
The Whole Charge of the Province
the Current Year
£52525
4000
10000
13333
20000
40000
£139858
So that according to the projected Scheme, this Province must
bring into the Treasury Every Bill of this Province by Seventeen
Hundred and Forty One, Which Amounts to the Sum of Three Hun-
dred and Sixty Thousand, Nine Hundred and Forty Nine, Pounds
Or Otherwise Three Hundred and Sixty Thousand, Nine
Hundred and Forty Nine Ounces of Silver, Saving what small
Matter may be paid into the Treasury in Hemp and Flax.
Boston Toa\t^ Records, 1738. 201
Thus stands the State and View of Onr Affairs, at present.
Wlierefore, We Injoin You to Use Your Utmost Powers, Tliat
the Funds be laid in Paper Bills of the Old Tenor, and not in Bills
of the New Tenor redeemable in Silver and Gold, Which cannot
possibly be Obtained by the Inhabitants of this Province.
And as the lessening of the Excise will increase the Publick
Taxes, So, We Injoin You to make a due Inquiry into the Method
of letting the same out to Farm, And Whether there has not been
indirect methods Used therein ; And that the Same be Rectified
and Regulated according to the True Intent and Meaning of the
Act Especiallv in relation to the Excise of the County of
Suffolk.
[317.] And, Whereas We Apprehend there will be An
Attempt made for the Division of this County — We would Ear-
nestly Desire You to Oppose the same ; — And for Reasons, We
Refer You to the Answer of the Town of Boston, relating to that
Affair, Exhibited to the Great and General Court, at their Session,
the 19'\ Nov. 1735.
All which is Humbly Submitted
By,
Your most Humble Servants.
Nath^. Cunningham.
Hugh Vans.
Peter Thomas.
Ja®. Allen.
The foregoing Instructions having been several Times distinctly
Read, Ann Debated,
Voted, That they be Accepted And that An Attested Cop}^
of the same be, by the Town Clerk deliver'd to Each of the Gen-
tlemen the Representatives of the Town of Boston, As the In-
structions of the said Town.
Upon a Motion made and Seconded by many.
Voted, That the Thanks of this Town be given to the Gentlemen
the Committee for Instructions, for their pains taken in drafting
the same.
A Petition of Mr. John Procter, Master of the North Writing
School Praying that his Salary might be Advanced, For
Reasons therein mentioned
Read And the Question being put. Viz'. Whether the Town
will at this time make any Addition to the Salary of Mr. John
Procter .''
Voted, in the Affirmative.
[318.] Voted, That the Sum of Forty Pounds p Annum be
Added to the Salary of Mr. John Procter, to Commence from the
last Quarterly payment, ViZf the 13th. of March last past.
A Petition of Mr. Samuel Holyoke, Master of the Writing
School in Queen Street Praying for such Addition to his Sal-
ary, As the Town shall judge proper, for Reasons mentioned
Read,
And the Question being put. Viz'. Whether the Town would
make any Addition to IMr. Ilolyoke's Salary?
Voted, In the Affirmative.
202 City Document No. GQ.
Voted, Tliat the Sum of Fifty Pounds p Annum be Added to
the Salaiy of Mr. Samuel Holyoke, to Commence from the last
Quarterly payment. Viz', the 25th. of March last past.
A Motion made by Mr. Hutchinson, at the Opening this Meeting,
in the Name and Behalf of Mr. Peleg Wiswall, Master of the
North Grammar School, Praying for the Allowance of An
Usher in the said School, at least for some part of the year,
when the School is most numerous being taken into
Consideration,
Voted, That the Affair of placing An Usher in the North
Grammar School, in Answer to the Motion of Mr. Hutchinson,
above mentioned, be Refer'd to the Select Men ; who are hereby
Desired and Impowered to Act therein as they shall judge most
for the benefit and advantage of the said School.
The Committee Appointed the 14th of March last. Upon the
Motion of Mr. Richard Buckley, to Consider the Circumstances of
the Towns Slip, at the lower end of Wood Lane, &c. Presented
[319.] Their Report, Which was Read, And is as follows, Viz'.
Pursuant to the Vote, and Desire of the Town of
Boston, at their Annual Meeting the 13th of March,
last past
We the Subscribers have Attended the Service — Desired of
Us Have view'd the Towns Slip, or Dock at the lower end of
Wood-lane Have also Discoursed with the Neighbours re-
specting the filling up the same. Who we find do approve thereof ;
And therefore Report As follows. Viz'.
That We Apprehend it ma}' be convenient for the Town to
allow the Abutters on the said Slip to Wharf across the same,
about Two Hundred and Thirty feet from Fish street. And to fill
up the Slip — Provided, They lay down and maintain a Sufficient
Common Shore, to the End of the said Wharf, in Order to carry
off the Water (from those Cellars) that now does or ma}' run into said
Slip And further, That the said Abutters maintain a conven-
ient Passage or Gutter for conveying the Water from the Street to the
End of tlie said Wharf — to be performed to the satisfaction of the
Select Men.
All which is Humbly Submitted, &c.
By
Edvtard Hutchinson.
Boston May 8'^. 1738. Andrew Tyler
Dan''. Henchman
Voted, That this Report be Accepted.
Mr. Joseph Ingraham was Chosen One of the Viewers and cul-
lers of Staves, for the year Ensuing.
Upon the Motion of Mr. Nathanael Wardell Jun"". at the Open-
ing this Meeting, Praying the Town would please to revive their
Vote, or Order respecting his Proposals for Undertaking to Erect
an Engine for Weighing of Hay &c. [3^0.] Entred the"23^ Sept.
last past.
Voted, That the Consideration of Mr. Wardell's Motion be
refer'd to the next General Town Meeting.
Voted, That the Thanks of this Town be given to Mr. Cushing,
Boston Town Eecords, 1738. 203
the Moderator, for his great Pains in Regulating, and giving Dis-
patch to the Business of this Meeting.
Then the Meeting was Dismiss'd
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston, duly Qualified, and Warned according to Law,
in Public Town-Meeting Assembled at the Town-House, on Tues-
day the Twenty first of November, Anno Domini, 1738.
The Warrants for Calling the Meeting Read.
Mr. Thomas Cashing Jan^ was Chosen Moderator.
Petitions and Motions. Viz'.
A Petition of Sundry Inhabitants of Rumney Marsh
Read.
The Select Men made a Motion for Petitioning the General Court,
for Liberty to bring forward, at the Supericur Court in Boston, An
Action of Review, against the Heirs of James Evevill, for reversing
a Judgment Obtain'd in Said Court against the Town, for Part of a
Parcel of Land, and Shop thereon, now in the Possession of John
and Richard Billings.
Mr. Nathanael Wardell Jun^ made a Motion for reviving a
Vote of the Town, pass'd the 23. Sept. 1737. upon his Proposals
Exhibited, relating to the Weighing of Hay.
[331.] A Petition of Sundry of the Inhabitants of the Dis-
trict of Rumney-Marsh, within the Township of Boston, Presented
to the Great and General Court, to be Set off and Erected A dis-
tinct and Separate Township, with the Order of Court thereon,
Read.
And after some Debate thereon,
Voted, To Chuse a Committee to take the said Petition under
Consideration, to Draw up an Answer to the same, and to lay it
before the Town, for their approbation, in Order to its being pre-^
sented to the General Court at their next Sitting.
Voted, That the Committee Consist of Five Persons.
Voted, That Mess". Hugh Vans.
Joseph Marion
.Tames Allen
Edward Bromfield
Nathanael Cunningham
Be a Committee for the P^nds aforesaid.
Voted, That the Committee be Desired to Report to the Town,
On Monday next the Twenty Seventh Instant, at Three O'Clock
ater Noon to which Time it is proposed this Meeting
should be Adjourned, to receive the same.
Upon the Motion of the Select-Men, for Petitioning the General
Court, for Liberty to bring forward, at the Superiour Court in
Boston, An Action of Review, against the Heirs of James Everill,
for reversing a Judgment Obtain'd in said Court against the Town,
for Part of a Purcel of Land and Shop thereon, now in the Pos-
session of John and Richard Billings.
Voted, That the Select-Men of the Town for the Time being be
directed in behalf of the Town ; Humbly to Petition the Gen-
eral Court for leave to bring forward at the Superiour Cuuit in
204 City Document No. G6.
Boston, An Action of Review against the Heirs of James Everell,
for the Reversing a Jiidgmenl Obtain'd at the said Superiour Court
against the Town for part of a Parcel of Land, and Shop thereon,
now in the Possession of John and [323.] Richard Billings, the
Time by Law for bringing forward said Action being elapsed, not-
withstanding. And the said Select Men are Irapowered to
pursue the said Review to Effect.
A Motion of Mr. Nathanael "VYardell Jun'. made at the
Public Town Meeting the lOtli. of May last past. That the Town
would please to revive their Vote, pass'd the 23d Sept. 1737. re-
specting his Proposals for Erecting an Engine for Weighing of Hay,
brought to Market in Carts &c. being Referr'd to the Con-
sideration of the Town at this Meeting
The Town accordingly proceeded to Consider the same and after
some Debate thereon
Voted, That the Select-Men be, and hereby are Desired to pre-
pare the Draft of a By-Law relating to Weighing of Hay brought
to Market in Carts, and other Land Carriage, and lay the same
before the Town, at the Adjourdment of this Meeting, for their
Consideration.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Monday next the
Twenty Seventh of November Currant, at Three O'Clock, After
Noon.
Monday, November, 27th. 1738.
Tlie Town being Assembled according to Adjournment.
The Select Men Presented the Draft of a By-Law for Weighing
of Hay Read.
Which is as follows. Viz'.
Whereas, the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston labour under
difficulties and hardships in respect of the weight of Ha}- brought
to Market, by reason whereof Disputes often arise between the
Buyer and Seller And it being propos'd. As a Remedy
therefor to Erect [323,] An Engine at the Entrance into the
Town convenient for Weighing of Hay
It is therefore ordered,
That from and after the first Day of March next ensuing. Pro-
vided the said Engine be then Erected, All Carts, and other Car-
riages of Hay as the}' come into Town, shall be Weighed, and a
Tally with the Weight of the Cart and Hay be then fix'd upon it,
and that the Cart or Carriage upon its return be Tared, and the
Weight thereof mark'd on it.
That a Suitable Person be appointed by the Town for such Term
of Time as they shall think convenient, to take care that the said
Engine be kept in good Repair, and to see the Weight of all Hay
thus brought to Market, and to Tally the same, and mark the car-
riages on their return as aforesaid. And that the said Person shall '
be under Oath to do Justice between Buyer and Seller, and shall
attend from Sun-rising to Sun-setting, and shall make an Entry of
all the Hay he weighs.
That there be allowed to the said Person for every Load of Hay
so weigh'd, Four pence for each Hundred of Hay so weigh'd, to be
Boston Town Records, 1738. 205
paid by the Person who bu^'s the same : Or in case of his absence
at the Time of Weighing, then to be paid by the Importer, who
shall be reimbursed b^^ the Buyer.
That after the said first Da}^ of March, and the Erecting the said
Engine, If any Person Inhabitant of the Town of Boston aforesaid,
shall Buy any Hay thus brought to Market, witliout the same be
first weigli'd as above, He or they shall forfeit and pay the Sum of
Twenty Shillings for every load or parcel so bought.
Mr. Marion made a motion, that Mr. Nathanael Wardell's name
might be mentioned in the preamble of the B\'-Law for Weighing
of Hay he being the Person that proposes to Erect the Engine.
Accordingly
The Question being put,
Voted in the Negative.
[324.] The foregoing Order or By-Law, having been Read,
three several times
Voted, That the same be Accepted, And that the Select Men be,
and hereby are directed to Present it to the Court of General Ses-
sions of the Peace next to be holden at Boston, for their Appro-
bation.
Mr. Hugh Vans from the Committee appointed the 21st. instant,
to draw up an Answer to the Petition of Sundry Inhabitants of
Rumnej^-Marsh — Presented the same Which was Read
and is as follows.
Pursuant to the Vote of the Town, the 21st. of November
instant, The Committee appointed to draw up an Answer to
a Petition of some of the Inhabitants of Rumney Marsh
which they have prefer'd to the General Court, Praying that
they may be set off, as a Separate Township Have
Ajttended that Service, and Accordingly have Drafted and
Signed, an
Answei', which they now Present to the Town, Viz*.
Province of the \
Massachusetts Bay J
To His Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esquire Captain
General and Governour in Chief, the Honourable the
Council, and Honourable House of Representatives of said
Province, in General Court assembled at Boston, the Thir-
tieth of November 1738.
The Answer of the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, to the
Petition of a small number [335.] Of the Inhabitants of the
District, Number Thirteen — commonl}'- called Rumney Marsh,
part of said Town, to this Honourable Court Praying that
they may be setoff as adistinct Township, for a Suggested Reason
Contained in said Petition.
The Town of Boston, Humbly Sheweth,
That Some of the Inhabitants of the District of Rumney Marsh
did on the Thirty first of January, One Thousand Seven hundred
and Thirty four. Prefer a Petition, and on the thirteenth of March,
One Thousand Seven Hundred and Thirty Seven prefer one other
Petition to the Town of Boston, in order to obtain from said Town
Several Advantages, and also to be set off as a distinct Township.
206 City Document No. 66.
la regard to Said Petitions, the Town appointed two Several
Committees to hear the Petitioners, Consider of, and Report what
they thought adviseable for the Town to do thereon. Which
Service tlie_y accordingly performed The Copy of which
Petitions with the Reports thereon, We humbly beg leave to lay
before this Honourable Court.
And We may Justly Observe, and say,
That in Answer to all their Petitions and Complaints heretofore
made, where there has been the least colour, the Town have
readily pointed out proper Remedies, and stand ready to afford
them.
And the Petitioners having been Conscious that the Town are
ready to do so, have betalven themselves to this slender Plea, of
Passing Winnisimet Ferry ; Which We apprehend they would
never have done, were there not some Secret Springs of their
Actions, which we cannot Account for, notwithstanding all their
dutiful and affectionate Regard to their Mother Town, so fully
express'd in theiv present Petition.
But, Inasmuch as they think it most for their Service to lay so
great Stress upon That Single, tho' [336.] Small inconvenience,
We think it incumbent upon us to Observe, That there has ever
been given them, so little interruption in that matter, as that
Neither the}^ nor their predecessors have ever heretofore thought
it sufficient cause of Complaint to the Town, nor can they Say,
that One year in Ten (Communibus Annis) for the Time past,
they have been prevented in giving their Attendance at Town-
Meetings : Nor can it be reasonably Supposed that for the future
they will be otherwise interrupted by that means, which they make
no difficulty of in daily exposing themselves to, in the common
affairs of Life But should they, Yet their coming by Penny-
Ferry will be attended with very little charge and trouble.
We would now humbly beg leave to lay before Your Excellency
and Honours the unreasonableness of the Prayer of said Petition,
I. In Respect to the Inhabitants of that District.
It ought reasonably to be Supposed, that When any Petition is
prefer'd to this Honourable Court for such a Separation as is
desired by the Petitioners, that it is the Mind of the Principal
number of the Inhabitants, Or to remove some Grand Inconvenience,
Or to preserve Peace and good Order, Or lessen the Charge with
which said District labours under their present Circumstances
Neither of which We apprehend can by any means be
pleaded in the present Case.
For., It's very Observable, that Not One Third part of the In-
habitants of that District have Signed their Names to any of the
Petitions, And consequently that they cannot by any means be
thought as consenting thereto More Especially, John
Yeamans Esquire, Joseph Thompson Esquire, nor their Agents,
nor the Reverend Doctor Sewall, are any ways privy to the delib-
erations had, nor [3'^ 7.] Drafting of, nor Presenting said Peti-
tion to this Honourable Court, notwithstanding they are the
Proprietors of Noddles-Island, Hog-Island, and very valuable
Farms at Rumney-Marsh. And further. We find by the Rates
Boston Town Records, 1738. 207
and Taxes, that One Hundred and Twent}' one Persons are Rated
and Taxed within the said District, and but Twenty Eight Persons
Names Subscribed to the depending Petition.
And as to any grand Inconvenience All that is pretended
is, the small trouble of passing a Ferry whicli We Humbly conceive,
would not have carried so great Weight with it (tho' all the Inhabi-
tants of that District had Subscribed to the Petition) as to have Influ-
enced this Honourable Court to separate such a valuable Member
from the Bod}' of the Town of Boston, Especially considering how
small a Tract of Land, and how unable they are to Support the
necessar}' Charge of a Separate Township.
And as to the promoting of Peace and good Order It can
never be Supposed, that the Granting the Prayer of such a Small
Number of Petitioners, whereby a much larger, and more valuable
Number must be necessarily concluded, can ever be attended with
such desireable Effects.
And as to the lessening the small and favourable Charges with
which the said District has been Assessed It is ver\' reasonable to
Suppose, that their Charge will (upon such a Separation) be near
doubled.
II. In Regard to the Town of Boston.
We humbly Apprehend, that by such a Separation the Town
will be Strip'd of a very valuable Revertion, which will revert to
the Gospel Ministry* in the Town of Boston ; under certain regu-
laitons, being no less than Three or more ver}' valuable Farms at
Winnisimet being part of the Estate of Governour Belling-
ham [338.] Bequeathed to his Wife, after his Wives Decease
then to his Son, and his Daughter, and after their Decease the
whole Estate to pass, and the Annual Income to be Applied to the
Encouragement of the Gospel Ministry, &c. As b^- an Extract
from the Record in the Probate Office for the Count}' of Suffolk,
may more fully appear.
Moreover, It's well known that the Town of Boston labours
under ver}^ distressing Circumstances upon maii}'^ accounts.
The visible Declension of Trade, and the growing Advantages
of the Husbandman, especially those, who by the nearness of their
Lands to the Town of Boston, have the greatest Opportunity of
making Such Singular Advantages, as the Members of the Town
of Boston under their present Circumstances are ver}' great Stran-
gers to, especially this valuable part of our Body (call'd Rumney
Marsh) Who by the Indulgence of this Town are grown Rich, and
well Able to help Us, under Our present difficulties. For Boston
being the Receptacle of almost all the Poor that come into this
Province, by reason that most Foreigners fix here, and cannot be
prevented. Provided, they bring with them the value of Fifty
Pounds, or are able bodied Trades-men, or Indented Servants, or
Sailors under most Circumstances, Create so great a Charge to this
Town, that, instead of having the least of our Members Separated
fi'ora Us, We cannot but Hope and Desire, that tliis Honourable
Court will so far take Our Distressed Circumstances under their
most wise and just Consideration, that they will afford Us such
Aids and Advantages as may in some Measure Extricate Us there-
from
208 City Document No. 66.
And, inasmuch as the General Court [329.] Of this Province,
at their Session the Third of September One Thousand Six Hun-
dred and Thirty Four, Annexed Winnisimet and Rumney Marsh
to the Town of Boston So, We cannot but Hope and Desire,
that this Honourable Court will not, without the strongest Reasons,
and most pressing Necessity, Separate that valuable Member from
Us.
All which is Humbly Submitted.
Hugh Vans.
Jos. Marion.
Ja^. Allen.
Edw. Bromfield
Nov. 27th. 1738. Nath^. Cunningham.
Upon Reading the foregoing Report there arose some debate
upon that Paragraph which relates to Governour Bellingham's
Estate ; Whereupon,
The Question was put, Viz'. Whether that Paragraph should
stand as part of the Answer of the Town of Boston to the said
Petition ?
Voted in the Affirmative
Voted, That the Committees Report of an Answer to the Peti-
tion of Sundry Inhabitants of Rumney Marsh, now Read, be
Accepted.
Voted, That tlie Said Answer be fairly transcribed, and that
the Select Men be, and hereby are directed to Sign the same, and
deliver it to the Representatives of Boston, by them to be Presented
to the Great and General Court, as the Towns Answer to the said
Petition.
Voted, That the Thanks of the Town be Presented to the Gentle-
men the Committee, for their Pains in drafting the Answer of the
Town of Boston to the Rumney Marsh Petition.
Then the Meeting was dismiss'd.
[330.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders, and otlier Inhab-
itants of the Town of Boston, duly quahfied, and warned accord-
ing to Law, in Public Town-Meeting Assembled, at the Town-
House on Monday the 12th. March, A.D. 1738.
Prayer being made b}^ the Rev. Mr. William Welsted,
The Warrant for Calling the Meeting Read,
The Town then proceeded to the Choice of a Moderator and
the Votes being accordingly Collected, it Appear'd that Mr.
Thomas Cushing Jun"". was Unanimously Chosen.
Sundry Laws Read.
Sundry Petitions, Reports, Proposals & Motions, Viz'.
A Petition of Sundr}^ Inhabitants, for liberty to Erect a Brick
Wall with Tombs, on the Front of the Old Burying Place, in
Treamount Street. Read.
A Petition of Nathanael Wardell Jun"^. Praying that he maj' be
Appointed Weigher of Hay. Read.
A Petition of Sundry Inhabitants, that some method may be
projected for Destroying Rats. Read.
A Petition of Nathanael Barber, Collector. Read.
Boston Town Records, 1738. 209
A Petition of Sundry Iniiabitants, for Ringing the Bell belonging
to the West Meeting House, at the usual Hours & at the
Towns Charge. Read.
A Petition of the Masters of the Fire Engines. Read.
A Report of the Select Men, on the Visitation of the Publick
Schools. Read.
A Motion was made, that the Town would Consider, "Whether
some thing may not be done to enforce the due Execution of
the By-Law, for Preventing Selling Butchers Meat by Steel-
3'ards.
A Motion was made by Mr. William Salter, for Preventing the
Water which comes out of the Common, from running down
into Winter Street.
[331. J A Motion was made by Mr. William Salter, for
Making a Gate, for the more convenient carting of Powder
from the Bull Wharf &c. to the Powder House in the Common.
A Motion was made by the Hon. John Jeffries Esq'^. for seting a
row of Posts and Rails from the Granary up to Beacon Street,
to prevent Carts &c. from Spoiling the Herbage of the Com-
mon.
A Motion was made by Mr. Benjamin Russell, for the filling up
of Wheelers Pond so call'd, in Pond Street.
A Motion was made b3' Mr. Joseph Marion, that the Trustees
for the Town of Boston's proportion of the Loan of Sixty
Thousand Pounds, be desired to take especial Care to prevent
the Towns being Assess'd, on Account of the neglect or de-
ficienc}" of any of the Borrowers.
A Motion was made by Doctor George Steuart, for transporting
of Powder to and from the Powder House by Water, and not
thro' the streets of the Town.
The Inhabitants then proceeded to the Choice of Town Officers,
&c.
Samuel Gerrish was unanimousl}' Chosen Town Clerk for the
Year ensuing ; and Sworn b}' the Hon. Edward Hutchinson Esquire
Voted to proceed to the Choice of Seven Select Men.
A Motion being made and seconded, for deferring the Choice of
Select Men untill the Adjournment of this Meeting, The Question
was accordingly put And Pass'd in the Negative.
The Votes for Select Men being Collected and sorted It
appeared the following Gentlemen were Chosen to that Ofl3ce, for
the year ensuing. Viz*.
The Hon. John JeffriesEsq" ^
Capt. Jonathan Armitage.
[333.] Mr. David Collson.
Capt. Alexander Forsyth. }• Select Men.
Caleb Lyman J^sq'".
Mr. Jonas Clarke.
Mr. Thomas Hutchinson Jun''. ^
Tlie Hon. Joseph Wadsworth Esq^ was Unanimously Chosen
Town Treasurer for the Year ensuing, .and Sworn by the Hon.
Edward Hutchinson Esq"".
Upon a Motion made
210
City Document No. 66.
Voted, To proceed to bring in Votes for a County Treasurer, this
Afternoon, at Five O'Clociv.
Voted, To Chuse Twelve Constables for the Year Ensuing : And
to Chuse Collectors of Taxes distinct from them.
The Votes for Twelve Constables being accordingly Collected
and Sorted, It appeared the following Gentlemen were Chosen to
that Office for the Year ensuing.
viz^
Mess^'
> Constables
George Rogers
Payl
David Jeffries
Pay
Joseph Lee
Paid 1736.
Samuel Allyn
Excus'd
John Clear .
Sworn
Jonathan Lowder
Excus'd
Elisha Hutchinson
Pav
Samuel Gibbon
. Paid 1723.
Jonathan Cushing
Ebenezer Simpson
Sworn
Nathanael Bethune . Pay
James Adams
. .. Payj
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned till three of the Clock
this afternoon.
Afternoon, the Town being again Assembled
[333.] A Petition of Mr. Nathanael Wardell Jun"^ Praying
that he may be appointed and Impowered b}^ the Town to be the
Weigher of Hay bro't to Market ; Or that the Town would spec-
ially impower the Select Men to transact the Agreement with him
about the Premisses, for Reasons Mentioned Read, And after
some Debate thereon
Voted That Mr. Nathanael "Wardell Jun^ be, and hereby is
Appointed and Impowered (at his own cost and charge) to Erect
An Engine for Weighing of Hay brought to Market in Carts and
other Carriages, and to take the Care of it, to Do the Duty of a
Weigher of Hay, and to demand and receive the pay or wages, by
Law allow'd for the same ; for and during the Space and Term of
Seven Years to comence from the Erecting the said Engine
He the said Wardell behaving well in the said office, to the Satis-
faction of the Select Men for the Time being, And also Agreeing
with the Select Men of the Town, upon such Conditions, as in the
By-Law for Weighing of Hay is already made and provided, and
Such other terms and conditions, as the said Select Men shall "think
needful and convenient for the Service of the Town, the said
Wardell also Erecting the said Engine in such Place, and within
such Time as shall be approved of by^ them.
Voted, to proceed to th.e Choice of Twelve Overseers of the Poor
for the year ensuing And the Votes being Collected, it ap-
pear'd that the following Gentlemen were Chosen. Viz*.
Boston Town Records, 1738.
211
> Overseers of Poor,
The Hon. Jacob Wendell Esq^ ^
John Ruck Esq''.
Henrj^ Bering Esq"^.
William Tyler Esq^
Samuel Greenwood Esq""
Capt. Jeffery Bedgood
Major John Hill
Thomas Hubbard Esq"^.
Daniel Henchman Esq"".
Joshua Cheever Esq''.
Mr. Edward Bromfield
Capt. William Downe
[334.] Upon a Motion made by John Ruck Esq^ That
Where as he had, for Twenty Years past, Serv'd the Town as an
Overseer of the Poor, and being advanced in Years, He Praj^s they
would now Excuse him from Serving longer in that Office. Which
Motion being Consider'd,
Voted, That the Thanks of the Town be given to John Ruck
Esq'', for his good service as one of the Overseers of the Poor, for
so long time ; And that He be Excused from any further Service
in that Office accordingiv.
Voted, That Mr. Samuel Hunt be One of the Overseers of the
Poor, for the Year ensuing, in the Room of John Ruck Esq''.
Voted, To proceed to Chuse Seven Assessors for the Year
ensuing. Accordingly, the Votes being Collected, it Appeared,
the following Gentlemen were Chosen to that Office.
Viz'.
Mess''^ John Staniford "|
Richard Buckley
Peter Thomas
Joshua Blanchard )■ Assessors.
William Thomas
Jacob Parker
William Salter j
According to the Order in the Forenoon, the Town proceeded to
bring in their Votes for a County Treasurer — Which being Col-
lected, were, according to Law, Sealed up by Constable John
Clear, by him to be kept, and return'd unto the next Quarter
Sessions, to be held for the County of Suffolk.
The following Persons were Chosen Constables for the Year en-
suing.
Viz'. Mess". Henry Lloyd . ^
Caleb Richardson .
[335.] Benjamin Dolbeare
Peter Cade
William Tyler
George Holmes
Cord Cordis .
James Allen, Tayler
Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourn'd
>■ Constables
Nineteenth Current, at Nine O'Clock, in the Forenoon.
Pay
Pay
Pay
Excus'd
Pay
Pay
Sworn
Pay
to Monday next, the
212
City Document No. 6G.
Monday, March, 19tb. 1738.
The Town being Assembled according to Adjournment.
Mess'■^ Arthur Savage. . ^
Hogreves.
Sworn
Pay
Sworn
Sworn.
}- Fence Viewers.
> Surveyors of Shingles &c,
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
for the
Theophilus Lillie
Benjamin Neal.
John Marshall Cooper
were Chosen Hogreves for the 3-ear ensuing
Mess". Joseph Russell .
John Indicott .
Hopestill Foster
Thomas Jones .
Joshua Thornton
Caleb Ray
Benjamin Russell
were Chosen Fence-Viewers for the j^ear ensuing.
Mess". Edward Moberly
Edward Richards
William Pain .
Joseph White .
Matthew Barnard
Joseph Ricks
were Chosen Survej'ors of Boards, Timber, Shingles &c
Year ensuing.
Mr. Isaac Gridley was Chosen Surveyor of Hemp for the Year
ensuing.
[336.] Mess". John Helyer . Sworn ^
Samuel Green . Sworn |
Harvey Thomas Sworn }- Cullers of Staves.
Joseph Ingraham Sworn |
John Hobbs . Sworn J
were Chosen Cullers of Staves for the Year ensuing.
Voted, That the Select Men be Surveyors of the High Wa3's,
for the Year ensuing.
Mess". Robert Williams . Sworn "")
Nathanael Hodgdon Sworn |
Samuel Mav . . Sworn ! c i ^ t ^u
■trr-iT T\ " • i. o ^ Sealers of Leather.
William Dorrington Sworn [
John Allen . . Sworn |
Josiah Carter . Sworn j
were Chosen Sealers of Leather for the Year ensuing.
Mr. Richard-Carter Cowell, was Chosen Haward for the year
ensuing.
The Report of the Select Men of the Visitation of the Public
Schools, being Presented, was Read, as follows. Viz'.
To the Inhabitaiits of Boston, in Town Meeting assembled,
Mar. 12. 1738.
Pursuant to a Vote of the To\vn of Boston at their annual Meet-
ing the 13th. of March, 1737. Desiring Us the Select Men to
Visit the several Public Schools in the Town, &c.
We accordingly Attended that Service on the 26th. of June last
past, Accompanied by the following Gentlemen, Viz'.
The Hon. Thomas Hutchinson Esq'^.
The Hon. Adam Winthrop Esq''.
Boston Town Eecoeds, 1738. 213
The Hon. Ezekiel Lewis Esq'^.
The Hon. Anthon_y Stoddard Esq''.
[337.] The Hon. Jacob Wendell Esq'.
The Rev. Mr. William Hooper
The Rev. Mr. Samuel Mather.
And now Report, as follows.
That the Number of Scholars instructed in the Public Schools is
as follows, Viz*.
In the South Grammar School, about One Hundred and Twenty.
In the North Grammar School, about Sixty.
In the North Writing School, about Two Hundi-ed & Eight}^
In the Writing School in Queen Street, about Seventy three.
In the South Writing School, about Sixt}- two.
That We heard the Performances of the Lattin Scholars at each
Grammar School, And inspected the Performances of the Scholars
in the other Schools, both in Writing and Arithmetick, And heard
the younger Scholars read And that in general they perform'd
to the great Satisfaction of the Visitors And We have grounds
to hope that the Masters in the said several Schools do faithfully
Discharge the Trust reposed in them.
And We look upon it as a point of Justice due to the Master of
the South Writing School, to Report, that the Writing both of the
Master and Scholars has been of late much improved.
John Jeffries.
JoN^. Armitage.
David Collson.
Alex-^. Forsyth. )■ Select Men.
Caleb Lyman.
Jonas Clarke.
Tho°. Hutchinson Jun.',
Voted, That the Report of the Select Men, of the Visitation of
the Schools, now Read, be Accepted
Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereby are Desired to Visit
the Public Schools within the Town, the 3'ear ensuing. Desiring
such Gentlemen to accompau}^ them therein, as they shall think
proper. And that they Report thereon.
[338.] Upon a Motion made by the Select Men
The Moderator proposed to the Town, that they would proceed
to the Choice of Ty thing Men.
A Petition of Sundr}' Inhabitants, Praying that the Bell belong-
ing to the West Meeting House in Lj-nde Street, may be rung at the
Hours of Nine, Five and One, for the Accomodation of the Inhab-
itants of that part of the Town, and that the Charge thereof may
be born by the Town as Usual. Read.
Voted, That the Prayer of the Petition be Granted, and that the
Customary Allowance be made for the said Service, to be paid out
of the Town Treasury.
A Petition of Mr. Bartholomew Sutton and Others Masters of
the Fire Engines, in behalf of themselves and their respective
Companies Praying they may be exempted from serving in
other Town OflSces the 3'ear ensuing, for Reasons mentioned.
Voted, That the Prayer of the Petition be Granted.
214 City Document No. QH.
A List of Persons Qualified to serve on the Petit Jury, lieing
presented by the Select Men, for the Towns Approbation, as the
Law directs
The said List was Read, and Approved.
Upon a Motion, and Representation that 'tis not for the Interest
of the Town, to appoint an}^ particular Person to attend at the
North Granary or Meal-House as usual, for Reasons men-
tioned.—
Voted, That there be no Person specially Appointed to give
Attendance at the North Granary or Meal-House until further
Order; But, that the Committee for Purchasing of Grain, and
making Regulations for the Selling and Disposing the same, be and
hereby are Desired ; from time to time, as Occasion shall require
[339.] To Supply the said Granary with such Quantities of Grain
and Meal, as they shall think fit, and procure some Person, with as
little Charge to the Town as may be, to sell it out to the Inhabi-
tants.
Voted, To proceed to the Choice of a Committee for laying out
tlie Money appropriated for Purchasing Grain ; And that the said
Committee be Impowered to give all needful directions to the
Overseer of the Granary, respecting the Quantitys of Grain to be
sold, and setting tlie price thereof, from time to time.
Voted, That the Committee for Purchasing Grain &c. consist of
Three Persons And that the Choice be made by written Votes.
The Votes being accordingly Collected, It appeared, that the
following Gentlemen were Chosen a Committee for the Ends afore-
said. Viz'.
Henry Dering Esq^ \
Mr. Peter Thomas y Committee for Grain &c.
Mr. Robert Rand )
The Select Men's Report of their Examination of Mr. Francis
Willoughby's Account of the Granary for the year past, and Entred
in Mr. Willoughby's Book Read
Voted, That the said Report be Accepted, And Accordingly,
That Mr. Willoughby be further Accountable for Thirteen Hundred
and Sixteen Bushels of Indian Corn, and Three Hundred and
Twenty five Bushels of Rie, a stock remaining in the Granary ;
And also for the Sum of Two Hundred Sixty Six Pounds, Nineteen
Shillings and Seven pence in Bills of Credit, remaining in his
hands.
The following Persons were Chosen Constables for the Year
Ensuing, Viz'.
Mr. Nicholas Boylston . . ^ Pay
Mr. "WilUam Vassal, Excus'd . [■ Constables.
Mr. Joseph Wise ... ) Pay
[340.] Mr. Thomas Baxter . . Pay "J
Mr. John Hunt . . . Pay >• Constables.
Mr. Joseph Lewes . . . Sworn j
Voted, To proceed to the Choice of Eight Clerks of the Market,
for the year ensuing. The Votes being Collected and sorted, it
appear'd that the following Persons were Chosen to that OflSce. —
Viz'.
iiosTON Town Records, 1738.
215
Mess''^ John G-ridley .
William Scott .
Stephen Winter.
Benjamin Edwards
John Wells
Henry Pigeon .
Samuel Rand Jun"".
Samuel Parkman
The following Persons were
ensiling.
Viz'. Mess".
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
' Sworn ^^^^''^^ of the Market
Sworn
Pay
ExcusVl
Chosen Scavengers for the Year
Scavengers.
Jeremiah Belknap
John Taylor
Thomas Boucher
Nathanael Gardner
George Monk
John Hooton
George Skinjier
Jabez Hunt
John Holyoke
Richard Hubbard
John Lambert
Samuel Ridgaway
The Petition of Sundry Inhabitants for Liberty, at their own
Cost and Charge to Erect and Build a Row of Tombs, and to
Raise a good Brick Fence in the Front of the Old Burying Place,
abutting on Tremount Street, they and their Heirs or Assigns
[341.] Always keeping the same in Sufficient Repair. Read."
After some Debate thereon.
Voted, That the Prayer of the Petition be Granted, Upon Con-
dition, that the said Work be carried on, and perform'd in a way
and manner agreeable to, and according to the Orders and Di-
rections of the Select Men, who are also hereby Impowered to
Grant and Assign the Tombs when Erected to the several Grantees,
they giving sufficient Assurance to the satisfaction of the Select
Men, that they, their Heirs or Assigns Shall keep, uphold and
maintain the said Brick Wall and Tombs in good and sufficient
Repair, from time to time, and at all times hereafter, to the appro-
bation of the Select Men of the Town for the Time being.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned 'till Three O'Clock in
the Afternoon.
Afternoon, the Town being again Assembled
A Petition of Sundry Inhabitants, that some methods may be
projected for the Destruction of Rats, with which the Town is very
much infested, Read
And the Question being put, Whether the Pra3'-er of the Peti-
tioners be Granted?
Voted, in the jS'egative,And therefore thatthe Petition be Dismiss'd.
Upon a Motion made at the Opening this Meeting, for a row of
Posts and Rails to be set from the Granary in Common Street,
upwards to Beacon Street ; in order to prevent Carts, &c. passing
upon and through the Common, and Spoiling the Herbage thereof.
The Town taking the Motion into Consideration,
216 City Document No. 66.
Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereby are Impower'd and
Desired, to take effectual Care that the same be performed in the
best way and manner, for the Ends aforesaid.
[343.] Mr. William Owen was Chosen One of the Clerks of
the Market for the year ensuing.
Mr. William Owen Appearing Pray'd that he might be Excused
from Serving as a Clerk of the Market for this year, for Reasons
mentioned.
Accordingly the Question being put. It pass'd in the Affirmative.
Mr. Andrew Board man was Chosen One of the Clerks of the
Market for the 3'ear ensuing, and Sworn.
The Motion made at the Opening the Meeting — for preventing
Selling Butcher's Meat b}^ Steelyai'ds was taken under Consider-
ation And the By-Law relating thereto Read.
Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereby are Desired to give it in
charge to the Person or Persons bj^ them Employ'd to inspect the
Market, and prosecute the breaches of the By-Laws and Orders
of the Town That they be especially Careful to prosecute all
Persons they shall find Transgressing the said Bj'-Law.
A Motion made at the Opening the Meeting, for preventing the
Water which comes out of the Common from running down through
Winter Street, was Considered, and after some Debate thereon,
Voted, That the Affair be refer'd to the Select Men, Who are
hereby Desired to View the Place, Consider what ma}- be
proper for the Town to do therein, Compute the Charge, and
Report thereon at the next General Town Meeting.
The following Persons were Chosen Constables, for the Year
ensuing.
Viz'. Mr. John Dennie . Pay
Capt. William Fletcher Excus'd
[343.] M,-. David Cutler . Pay ^Constables.
Mr. John Russell . Sworn
Mr. William Paine . Pay
Mr. John Tudor . Sworn
The Town proceeded to the Choice of Three Collectors of the
Rates and Taxes, for the year ensuing The Votes being Col-
lected, It appear'd that the following Gentlemen were Chosen to
that Office.
Viz'. Capt. Daniel Pecker . Refuse ^
Capt. Nathanael Barber Refuse > Collectors.
Mr. Jacob Sheafe . Sworn j
Voted, That Nine Pence upon the Pound, be and hereby is
Allowed to the Several Collectors of Taxes, within the Town of
Boston for the j'ear ensuing They giving Bond, with Sufficient
Suret^^s, for the faithful Discharge of their Office, to the Satisfaction
of the Select Men.
The Gentlemen who were Chosen in the Forenoon, A Commit-
tee for Purchasing Grain, and for Regulating the Sale of it, having
Refused to Serve the Town in that Office
Voted, That the Choice of a Committee for Purchasing Grain,
and for Regulating the Sale thereof, be referr'd to the next General
Town Meeting And in the mean Time, That the Select Men
I
Boston Town Records, 1738. 217
be, and hereby are Desired to take Effectual Care for the Preser-
vation of Grain from Spoil, and for selling off the Stocic now in the
Granary — And that they give Directions accordingly, As they
shall think most for the Advantage of the Town.
Mess". John Baker . Sworn ^
Thomas Warden . Pa}' I p , , ,
John Decoster . Excus'd [
Jonathan Hartshorn Sworn j
Were Chosen Constables for the year ensuing.
[344.] Whereas the Committee appointed to Audit the Town
Treasurers Accounts, have not as yet Reported thereon,
Voted, That the Town Treasurers Allowance for his Service in
that Office the year past, together with the Choice of a Committee
for Auditing the Acco'^ of the year ensuing, be refer'd to the next
General Town Meeting.
Upon the Motion made at the Opening this Meeting, for Filling
up Wheelers Pond, so call'd, in Pond Street After some
Debate thereon.
Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereby are Desired to
Enquire into the State and Circumstances thereof, to Consider the
Agreement formerly made between the Select Men, and Giles Dyer
Esq'', relating to its lying Open for a Watering place forever
And Report what may be best, in their Judgment, for the Town
to Do therein, at the next General Town Meeting.
Upon a Motion made b}' Mr. Joseph Marion at the Opening this
Meeting, that the Trustees for the Town of Boston's proportion of
the Loan of Sixty Thousand Pounds might be Desired to take
Especial Care to prevent the said Town's being Assess'd on Acco'.
of the Neglect or Deficiences of any of the Borrowers.
Voted, That the Trustees for the Towns proportion of the said
Loan of Sixty Thousand Pounds be and herebj^ are Desired to take
Effectual Care that the Borrowers of that Mone}- pay in the same,
that so the Town may not come to be Assess'd for an}- of their
Deficiences.
Upon a Motion made by Doctor Steuart at the Opening this
Meeting, for transporting of Powder to and from the Powder
House by Water carriage, and not through the Streets of the Town.
Voted, That the Consideration of this Motion be [345.] referred
To the Select Men, Who are hereby Desired to project ways and
means for the safe carriage and conveying of Powder to and from
the Powder House, And Report thereon, at the next General Town
Meeting.
Mess". Joseph Greenwood ^ Sworn
Thomas Flagg . I Constables S^^^"^'^
Joseph Gale . | Sworn
Stephen Hunniwell j
Upon the Information of the Select Men, That Madam Dorotliy
Salstonstal (late the Widow of Mr. John Frizzel) in and b}' her
last Will and Testament, did Give the Sum of Two Hundred
Pounds, to be distributed among the Poor of the Town of Boston,
and the further Sum of Twenty Pounds to Buy Bibles and Testa-
ments for such Poor Children whose Parents are not able to give
218 City Document No. 6Q.
them And upon their Motion, That the Town would Consider of
some suitable waj's and means for recovering Such a Donation
Voted, That the Overseers of the Poor of the Town of Boston
be, and hereby are -Desired, to wait upon the Executors of the said
Madam Salstonstall's Will, and Inform them. It is the Towns
Desire that the}' would Pay the said Sum of Two Hundred and
Twenty pounds into the Hands of them the said Overseers, in order
to the Distribution thereof, According to the Intention and Will of
the Donor. And that they Report thereon at the next General
Town Meeting.
The Petition of Mr. Nathanael Barber One of the Collectors of
Taxes within the Town of Boston, Praying the Town would please
to refund to him the Sura of Ten pounds Fourteen Shillings and
Eight pence, which he has paid into the Town Treasury, for a Tax
assess'd upon Mr. Benjamin Rolfe, lately Deceased, for Reasons
mentioned. Read
Voted, That the Prayer of the Petition be Granted ; and that an
Order or Draft be made upon the Town Treasurer, for repaying
the said Sum of Ten Pounds, Fourteen Shillings and Eight pence
to the said Nathanael Barber, accordingly.
[346,] A Motion being made at the Opening this Meeting,
for a Gate to be made into the Common, for the more eas}* and
convenient Carriage of Powder from the Bull Wharf &c. to the
Powder House
Voted, That this Affair be Referr'd to the Select Men Who are
hereby' Desired and Impowered to Act therein, as they shall judge
most adviseable, for the service of the Town.
Voted, That the Consideration of Raising Money for Defraying
the necessary Charges of the Town for the 3-ear ensuing be, and.
hereby is referr'd to the next General Town Meeting.
Voted, That the Thanks of this Town be given to Mr. Cushing
the Moderator, for his great Pains in Regulating, and giving such
Dispatch to the Affairs of this Meeting.
Then the Meeting was Dismiss'd.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston, duly Qualified, and lawfully Warned, in Public
Town-Meeting Assembled, upon Wednesday the Second Day of
May, Anno Domini, 1739.
at the Town-House.
Prayer was made by the Reverend Mr. Charles Chauncy.
The Warrant for Calling the Meeting Read.
The Sheriffs Precept Read.
Sundry Laws, Read
Then,
The Honourable John Jeffries Esquire, One of the Select Men,
and in Their Name, Propos'd to the Inliabitants Assembled, to
proceed to [347.] the Choice of a Person or Persons to serve for
and Represent them, in a Great and General Court or Assembly
to be Held the Thirtieth of May Current, at Boston. And in
Order thereto, to Consider and Ascertain the Number of Gentle-
men so to be Elected
Boston Town Kecoeds, 1739. 219
And the Question being put,
Voted, to proceed to the Choice of Four Representatives.
Then the Town proceeded to bring in their Votes for Four Rep-
resentatives Which being Collected and Number'd The
Number of Voters were found to be, Six Hundred and Thirty
Five.
The Votes being Sorted and Number'd
It appear'd, the following Gentlemen were duly Elected, by a
Majority of the Votes, Viz'.
No. of Votes.
Mr. Thomas Gushing Jun''. 624
Mr. Edward Bromfield 430
Mr. James Allen 336
Mr. Christopher Kilby 411.
The Election of the Representatives being Ended, the Select
Men declared the same And the Town proceeded to the
Choice of a Moderator and Mr. Thomas Gushing Jun'. was
Chosen b}' a great Majority'.
A Motion was made bj* Capt Nathanael Cunningham,
that the Town would G-ive Instructions to the
Representatives now Chosen.
Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned, to Three O'Clock in the
Afternoon.
Afternoon, The Town being Assembled.
[348.] Several Petitions, Proposals and Reports were
Read
Viz*.
A Petition of Capt. Daniel Pecker and Others,
Collectors of Taxes for the year, 1738.
Mr. Joseph Marion's Proposals for a Committee to Con-
sider of Means for retrenching the annual Charge of the
Town &c.
- The Select Mens Report relating to the filling up Wheeler's
Pond.
The Select Mens Report relating to the Transporting of
Powder to and from the Powder House, by Water.
The Select Mens Report relating to Winter Street.
Mr. John Staniford's Petition to the Great and General
Court relating to the Building a Bridge Over Charles
River with the Courts Order thereon.
Then the Town proceeded to the Choice of Several Officers,
Viz'.
Mr. John Wheatly . . ) --, , , Sworn
Mr. Francis Beteillie . . ) Sworn
were Chosen Constables for the Year ensuing.
Mr. Benjamin Brown, (Ship-joyner) was Chosen One of the
Clerks of the Market for the year ensuing. Sworn.
Mr. John Blowers was Chosen One of the Hogreves, for the
year ensuing.
A Motion being made and seconded. Viz'. That the Town
would (According to Order, as Euter'd the 19th. of March last
i
220 City Document No. 6Q,
past) proceed to [349.] The Choice of a Committee for laying
out the Money appropriated for Purchasing Grain lu Order
thereto A previous Question was put, Viz'. Whether the Town
would Chuse the said Committee by a Hand Vote?
Voted in the Affirmative.
Accordingly
Mess'\ Edward Jackson
Andrew Tyler and
John Salter
"Were Chosen a Committee for the Ends aforesaid.
Voted, That the said Committee be, and hereby are Desired and
Impowered to give all needful Directions to the Overseer of the
Granary, respecting the Quantities of Grain to be sold, and
setting the Price thereof, from time to time.
The Report of the Select Men, upon a Motion made at a Public
Town Meeting the 12th. March last past, for Preventing the Water
which comes out of the Common from running down thro' Winter
Street Read. And is as follows, Viz'.
Pursuant to the Vote of the Town as above. We the Sub-
scribers have Considered the Affair referred to Us, have
View'd the Place -And Report thereon, as follows.
Viz'.
That, Whereas in Time past, the Water from Beacon Street
principally run across the Common, and so took its course into
Winter Street We apprehend the same is now intirely pre-
vented by the raising the Ground in" the Common, near the En-
trance into the said Street So that now, the Water from
Beacon Street will Spread over the Common, and as little run
down thro' Winter Street, as thro' most Streets in the Town.
Wherefore, We are of Opinion, there is no Occasion for the
Town to do any thing further thereon.
[350.] AH which is Submitted &c. —
John Jeffries
Jonathan Armitage
Boston, Apr. 30. 1739. Caleb Lyman
Jonas Clarke
Thomas Hutchinson Jun"^.
After Considerable Debate thereon The Question was
put, Viz'. Whether this Report be Accepted ?
It Pass'd in the Negative.
Upon which, Mr. Salter desiring Libert}^ to la}^ some Proposals
in Writing before tlie Town relating to this Affair, for their Con-
sideration The Question was accordinglj'' put
And Pass'd in the Affirmative.
The Report of the Select Men, Upon a Motion made, at a Public
Town Meeting the 12th. March last past, for transporting of Powder
to and from tiie Powder House, by Water carriage and not thro'
the Streets of the Town
Read, and is as follows. Viz'.
Pursuant to the Vote of the Town as above, We the Subscribers
have Considered the Affair referred to Us, And Report thereon, as
follows. Viz'.
Boston To^vn Recoeds, 1739. 221
That the Safest Way of Conveyiug Powder to the Powder House,
is to do it by Water, at all Times while the River remains Open ;
And Therefore, that all Persons Importing Powder be Obliged to
convey it from on board Ship, in a Cover'd Boat or Boats, to the
bottom of the Common, near the Powder House, and that it be
carried from [351.] The said Boats to the Powder House, in a
cover'd Cart or Carts unshod ; And in the Winter Season, while
the river remains frozen, that it be brought from on board ship in.
cover'd Boats as aforesaid, unto the Bull Wharf, at the South End
of the Town, and from thence couvey'd in Cover'd Carts unshod
to the Powder House.
And in Order thereto. We think it adviseable. That the Gentle-
men Who may be Elected to Represent this Town in the Great and
General Court approaching, be desired and directed to Use their
Endeavours, that a Law may be Enacted for this End, with a
Penalty annexed.
As to the Carrying Powder from the Powder House thro' the
Town We Apprehend the Law of this Province, akeady made
and provided, to prevent danger by Careless Persons carrying it
Uucover'd (if duly Observ'd) may be sufficient.
All Which is Submitted &c.
John Jeffries
Jonathan Armitage
David Collson
Boston, Apr. 30. 1739. Alexander Forsyth
Caleb Lyman
Jonas Clarke
Thomas Hdtchinson Jun''.
After some Debate and upon a Motion made The
Question was put, Viz'. Whether it may not be more Convenient
to have the Powder landed at some Wharf more to the Southward
of the Bull Wharf?
It Pass'd in the Negative.
The Question being put. Whether this Report shall be Accepted?
Voted, in the Affirmative.
The Select Mens Report upon a Motion made at a Public Town
Meeting the 12fch March last past, for [353.] Filling up Wheeler's
Pond Read And is as follows, Viz'.
Pursuant to the Vote of the Town as above, We the Sub-
scribers have Attended the Service Desired of Us, And have
taken Advice relating thereto, — And accordingly Report
as follows. Viz'.
That it is with the Town to give leave for Filling up the said
Pond, if they see fit. And We are of Opinion it may be convenient
to have it so done accordingly.
All which is Submitted, &c
John Jeffries
Jonathan Armitage
David Collson
Boston, May, 2, 1739. Alexander Forsyth
Caleb Lyman
Jonas Clarke
Thomas Hutchinson Jun^
222 City Document No. (^Q.
Voted, That the further Consideration of this Report be referr'd
to the next General Town Meeting.
Some Proposals in writing being presented by Mr. William
Salter, for the Towns Consideration relating to Winter Street,
Thej' were Read And are as follows. Viz'.
Boston, May 2. 1739.
I the Subscriber Promise, for the Sum of Twent}^ Pounds in
Bills of Credit to me in Hand paid, to Employ a Team with a
Plough to raise the Ground about Ten foot from the Rayls [353.]
Leading down the Common, and Carrj' the Water over the Com-
mon, in a Gutter towards the Powder House, and so to carry the
Water that now runs down Winter Street in the aforesaid Gutter
to be ploughed up, and to take the Dirt that shall obstruct the
Water, and lay the same at the Head of Winter Street to prevent
the Water coming down the same And that I will keep the
same in Repair for the Term of Seven Years from the Date
thereof without any Charge to the Town.
W*^. Salter.
Whereupon, a Motion being Made and Seconded
Voted, to Chuse a Committee of Five Gentlemen, to Consider
the Proposals made by Mr. Salter, to Vievv the Ground, and to
Report to the Town (at the intended Adjournment of this Meeting,
or at the next General Town Meeting) What they think proper to
be done in the Affair.
Voted, that
The Hon. Anthony Stoddard Esq"^.
Mr. Joseph Marion
Samuel Adams Esq"".
Major Samuel Sewall
Mr. John Staniford.
be a Committee for the Ends aforesaid.
The Motion made by Capt. Nathanael Cunningham, at the
Opening this Meeting, for giving Instructions to the Gentlemen
the Representatives of the Town of Boston now Elected, being
taken . into Consideration After some Debate thereon, The
following Question was put. Viz'.
Whether the Town would give any Instructions to their Repre-
sentatives ?
It Pass'd in the Affirmative.
Voted to Chuse a Committee of Five Gentlemen to Draw up In-
structions for the Representatives accordingly.
[354.] Voted, That,
Capt. Nathanael Cunningham
Mr. Hugh Vans
Samuel Adams Esq^
Capt. Benjamin Pollard
Mr. Middlecott Cooke
be a Committee for the Ends aforesaid.
Voted, That in Drafting the said Instructions the Com-
mittee be and hereby are Directed to make it one of the Articles
Viz'. That the Said Representatives Do all that lies in their Power
to Obtain the Appointment of An Agent for the Honourable
BosTOx To^vN Eecoeds, 1739. 223
House of Representatives, to Appear and Act for them at the
Court of Great Britain, distinct!}^ and separately from the Agent
or Agents of the whole General Court.
Voted, That the said Committee be further Directed to Draw
Instructions to the said Eepresentatives, On the following Heads,
Viz'.
The Extraordinary Proportion which the Town of Boston_ Pays,
of the Public Taxes of the Province, compared vrith other Towns.
The Trade of the Province, and
The Medium, Or Paper Currency.
Voted, That the Committee he Desired to la}' their Draft of the
Instructions before the Town for their Consideration, at the in-
tended Adjournment of this Meeting.
The Proposals for Retrenching the Charges of the Town, Ex-
hibited b}^ Mr. Joseph Marion, at the Opening this Meeting, were
Read again, and are as follows Viz'.
To the Freeholders and other the Inhabitants of the Town
of Boston, in Town-Meeting regularly Assembled, Ma}', 2*
17S9.
[355.] Whereas the Charges of the Town of Boston are
become a ver}' great and heavy Burthen on the Inhabitants thereof,
so that the greatest Number by far are not well able to bear up
under the same
It is therefore proposed by the Subscriber — That a Committee
be appointed to Consider of Ways and Means for Retrenching and
Lessening the Annual heav}' growing Charge of this Town.
And also to take under Consideration the present distressed
Circumstances thereof, and Receive such Proposals as may be
preferred and exhibited to them, for the Relief of this Town, and
Inhabitants of the same — And that such Committee make Report
to the Town on the Premisses, so soon as conveniently may be.
All which is Submitted
p Jos. Marion.
And upon a Motion made and seconded by many
Voted, To proceed to the Choice of a Committee of Seven Gen-
tlemen, To Consider of Ways and Means for retrenching and les-
sening the Annual Charge of this Town. And also to consider
the present Distressing Circumstances thereof, and to Receive
such Proposals as may be Exhibited to them for the Relief of the
Inhabitants Agreeable to 4he foregoing Proposals, And that
they be Desired to Report to the Town on the Premisses as soon as
conveniently may be.
Voted That
Mr. Joseph Marion
Andrew Oliver Esq''.
The Hon. Edward Hutchinson Esq''.
Mr. Timothy Prout
Major Samuel Sewall
Joshua Winslow Esq"".
Mr. Jacob Parker
be a Committee for the Ends aforesaid.
[356.] The Petition of Capt. Daniel Pecker and others Col-
224 City Document No. 66.
lectors of Taxes for the year 1738, Praying that the Assessors may
be allow'd to set upon Abatements until the last Day of October
next for Reasons mentioned. Read.
Voted, That the Prayer of the Petition be so far G-ranted, As
that the Assessors be and hereby are Allow'd to sit upon Abate-
ments, until the last Day of August next ensuing.
The Report of a Committee, appointed the 10th. of May last past,
to Audit the Town Treasurers Accounts for the j'ear past, As
Entred in the Treasurers Book, was Read, Accepted, and
Voted That the Treasurer be Discharged accordingl3\
Voted, A Grant of Eight Thousand, Six Hundred Pounds, to be
Raised Iby a Tax upon Polls and Estates within the Town of
Boston, for Relief of the Poor, and Defraying other Necessary
Charges, Arising within and for the said Town, the year ensuing.
Voted, That the Sum of Two Hundred Pounds be Allow'd and
Paid out of the Town Treasury, unto the Honourable Joseph Wads-
worth Esq"", for his good Service in that Office the Year past.
The following Gentlemen were Chosen a Committee to Audit the
Town Treasurers Accounts for the year ensuing. Viz'.
Major Samuel Sewall ^
Mr. Charles Apthorp |
Doctor George Steuart ^Auditors-
Andrew Oliver Esq^
Mr. Christopher Kilby
[357.] Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Fryday
the 18th. of May Current, at Three O'Clock, Afternoon. .
Fryday, May, 18th. 1739
The Town being Assembled according to Adjournment.
A Petition of Mr. John Staniford, Presented to the Great and
General Court, Praying that he might be favoured with an Order,
or Licence from the said Court to take Subscriptions for the Build-
ing a Bridge Over Charles River, from the Westerly part of the
Town of Boston, to the Honourable Colonel Phip's Farm With
the Order of Court thereon Read And,
Upon a Motion Made and Seconded, for Chusing a Committee
to take that Affair into Consideration And to Report to the Town,
at their next General Town Meeting, What may be proper and
convenient to be done thereon The Question was accordingly
put »
And Pass'd in the Affirmative.
Voted That the said Committee consist of Seven Persons.
Voted, that
Capt. Nathanael Cunningham
The Hon. Samuel Welles Esq^
Major Samuel Sewall
Mr. Thomas Hutchinson Jun"".
Samuel Adams Esq''.
Hugh Hall Esq^
Henr}^ Dering Esq"^.
be a Committee for the Ends aforesaid.
The Committee Appointed the 2nd. of May Current to Draw up
Boston Toaatq^ Records, 1739. 225
Instructions for the Gentlemen the Representatives of the Town
of Boston, Reported the Draft the had prepared, according to
Order As follows, Viz'.
[358.] The Committee appointed the Second instant, to
Draw up Instructions to be given to the Representa-
tives of the Town of Boston, having Attended thau
Service, They Humbly lay the Draft they have pre-
pared before the Town for their Consideration. Which
is as follows. Viz'.
To Messieurs Thomas Cushing Jun''. James Allen, Edward
Bromfield and Christopher Kilby.
Gentlemen,
We the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston,
duly QuaUfied and regularly Assembled having Chosen You for
Our Representatives, to Appear for Us in the Great and General
Court of this Province for the year ensuing
And Whereas the Hardships, DifHculties and Distresses of this
Province in General, as well as this Town in particular, are Daily
increasing upon Us, and are now got to such a Height, that if the
Strictest Application added to the most fruitful Invention doe.s
not instantly Appear for Our Relief, We must (in the Eye of
Human Reason) Sink under the Burthen and Weight of Our Mis-
fortunes And therefore We now Apply to you Our Represen-
tatives, with whom We have intrusted the Management of all our
public Affairs, And upon Whom (in Conjunction with the other
Worthy Members of the Honourable House of Representatives) We
instantly depend for Relief under Our most deplorable Circum-
stances. And, Inasmuch as We have been amus'd with Specu-
lations only, for several j-ears past, few of which have been reduc'd
to [359.] Practice, neither have the}' been attended with the
desired Success Therefore We sincerely as well as humblj'
Apprehend Our Danger is such, that Ruin and Destruction must
unavoidably Ensue, unless some propitious Expedient be imme-
diatel}' (not only projected but) Practiced for Our Relief.
And Therefore, We most Earnestly Recommend to you. Our
Instructions upon several Important Heads.
I. Our Trade, which is so notoriousl}' Decaying every A'ear more
and more, and that so Evident, that it needs neither Argument nor
Instances to demonstrate it. even to the meanest Capacit}' : Every
One feels it, complains of it, and yet No One hitherto has been so
fortunate as to exhibit an Expedient for Our Relief We know
the Cause, and 3'et have hitherto been unable to procure any
Means to divert tlie ill Effects.
Our Trade labours under the utmost Discouragements by the
extremity of low Markets abroad. Our neighbouring Govern-
ments, especially Rhode Island, Who are daily Rivalling of Us in
Our Trade, and Medium of Paper Currency, and the liberty tliey
have of Importing the Surplusage of nil their Commodities Foreign
and Domestick into this Province for Sale at such easy rates ; and
Our excessive Taxes, add to them Our Impost to be paid in Silver
and Gold, and the many Frauds practised in the Quality, Weight
and Measure of almost all commodities either Consumed amongst
226 City Document No. 66.
Us or Bought up for Foreign Markets These altogether, are
such Burthens, as are Insupportable, and if not rectified will in-
danger the Trade of the whole Province : For it is Evident beyond
Contradiction, that if Rhode Island can make what Paper Bills
they please, and Our Hands are tj^'d so as we can make none, and
3'et Our Necessities should Oblige Us to take theirs, and part with
valuable Commodities, Nay, even Our Lands for them, if We
continue to be heavily Taxed, whilestthey are free from Taxes
What Advantages are there which they will not have over this
Province? [361.] They maj' Purchase it all in a few years if they
go on and increase in proportiou to what they have done for
several Years past (Witness the very last Year, in which We gave
an Instruction upon this very Head, Since which, that Colony has
Emitted, One Hundred Thousand Pounds in Paper Bills, and Not-
withstanding An Act of this Province is pass'd, prohibiting the
Currency of them amongst Us, Yet, its much to be fear'd (Inas-
much as there has been nothing done within Ourselves, for Our
Relief in respect to a Medium) let Our Aversion to their Bills be
what they will, and Our Acts against them never so strong, Yet
Our Circumstances and Necessities will force the People to take
them) And therefore in Order to Increase Our Trade, We Appre-
hend, it will be absolutely Necessary to have a Suflflcient Medium
under good regulations, and reject theirs, and to lessen our Taxes,
especially Our Impost ; And a further Encouragement to Our
Trade will be to Enact that a Drawback be AUow'd upon all
Foreign Goods imported. Upon which there is a Dut}' paid, Upon
their being re-exported, as is highly reasonable, and the well
known Practice of Our Mother Countrey.
II. And Whereas We apprehend ourselves grievously Oppress'd
bj' a verj' large and disproportionable part of the Province Tax,
laid upon us for several years past, compared with the proportion
paid by Other Towns within this Province ; And However the
proportion ma}^ have been heretofore thought reasonable, 3'et as all
things are liable to a Mutation, So the Circumstances of this Town
of late Years are exceedingly Alter'd by reason several Maritime
Towns within this Province are continually Rivalling of Us, and
have Actually Stripp'd us of several valuable Branches of Trade,
which must necessarilv render Us less able to pay Our wonted
Tax [361.] Whilest the}' are more able, and ought to Pay a much
larger than they have heretofore done.
And altho' We have often Complain'd, yet hitherto have had
very little Redress, And as the Scarcity of Bills of Credit, and
Decay of Our Trade, and Lessening Our Navigation increases
upon Us, so Our Taxes ought to be reduced in Proportion
And therefore We Earnestly Desire You to Scrutinize into the
Circumstances, Trade and Taxes of the several Towns within this
Province, and so Endeavor that Our Proportion of the Public
Province Tax may be reduced, according to Our Circumstances at
this Daj', Compared with Other Towns.
III. Our Bills of Public Credit, which are of the Utmost Con-
cern to the general Interest of this Province, as well as all the
Trading Towns in particular. And as the Distressing Circum-
Boston Toavn Eecords, 1739. 227
stances of this Province are increasing upon us in proportion to
their being Call'd in, and destroj-ed, without suitable Provision
being made, for somewhat to pass as a Medium in Lieu thereof,
So the Consequence must be terrible, if not fatal to this Province
And therefore We strong]}' Enjoyn You, Not to Consent to
any further Supply of the Treasury for any growing Charge of the
Province, Unless the Fund for Discharging the same be put on
sutable j'ears after Seventeen Hundred and Fort}' One. •
And as the Taxes are so exceeding high already, and that We
may not be left as a Prey to the arbitrary Will of every Officer,
Who may Occasionally have am* Demand upon Us, in relation to
their Fees, We would therefore recommend to You, that You Use
Use Your Utmost Endeavour, that the Fees of the Officers may be
fixed and ascertained, to prevent Oppression, Uncertaint}^ and
Dispute, which will necessarily Arise, Unless some good Law be
made to prevent the same.
We likewise Enjoyn You to Oppose the foreclosing the Deliber-
ations of future Assemblies between this and Seventeen Hundred
and Forty One relating to the [362.] Bills of Public Credit of
the Old Tenor, but that They be left Free to Act when the Years
shall Come, According as They shall judge most Adviseable for
the safety of the Province And inasmuch as past Assemblies
have interrupted the Opperation of the Province Bills of the Old
Tenor, and have not Suffer'd them to pass according to the true
Intent of their Emission ; But have made Bills of a New Tenor to
Exchange the Old Bills, So that the verj- Nature of them are in-
tirely Altered, which will inevitably Cause the Utmost Perplexity
in the Affairs of the Province,
Therefore We likewise Enjoyn You to Use Your Utmost Power
and Influence to Obtain an Act for Striking off, so many Bills of
the Old Tenor as will re-exchange all the Bills of the New Tenor
already Exchanged for the Old, that thereby the said Old Bills
may Operate according to their Fund, and as shall be most con-
sistent with the safety of this Province.
And That the growing Charge of this Province added to the
Fund already laid for Calling in all Our Paper Currency by
Seventeen Hundred and Forty One, may be set in a true Light,
to shew the Impracticability, if not Impossibilit}' of its being
done, without causing the Utmost Confusion, if not Destruction
of this Province We herewith present You with the following
Account.
1739. Fund for Calling in j
this Year, Bills of > . „ 25525,,
the Old Tenor . )
Bills of the New Tenor")
£12,500 . . I
with Two Hundred )■ 37500 ,, ,,
p Cent Advance |
upon it, makes . J
Representatives Pay, ^
in Bills of the Old [ 4000 ,, ,,
Tenor. . . )
228
City Document No. 66.
[363.] 1740.
1741.
Charges of the Current
Year, in Bills of the
Old Tenor .
40000 ,,
£107025 „
Fund for Calling in")
this Year, Bills off- ,, 25525,,
the Old Tenor . )
Bills of the New Tenor ^
£13000. with Two |
Hundred p Cent )■ ,, 39000 „
Advance upon it, |
makes . . J
Representatives Pay, \
in Bills of the Old I ,, 4000 ,,
Tenor . . . )
Charges of the Current "
Year, in Bills of the }- ,, 40000 ,,
Old Tenor .
£.108525 ,,
Fund for Calling in this ")
Year, Bills of the [ ,, 25525 ,,
Old Tenor . . J
Bills of the New Ten- ^
or, £9000. with Two j
Hundred p Cent }■ ,, 27000 „
advance upon it j
makes . . J
Representatives Pay, \
in Bills of the Old ^ ,, 4000 ,,
Tenor. . . )
Charges of the Current 1
Year, in Bills of the f- ,, 40000 ,,
Old Tenor . . )
£96525 .,
107025
108525
.96525
£.312075
So that according to the projected Scheme, this Province must
bring into the Treasury, every one of their Bills by Seventeen Hun-
dred and Forty One, which amounts to the Sum of Three Hundred
Twelve Thousand and Seventy five Pounds ; Or otherwise, Three
Hundred Twelve Thousand and Seventy five Ounces of Silver,
Saving, what small Matter may be paid into the Treasury in Hemp
and Flax.
Thus stands the state and view of our Affairs at present
Wherefore We Enjoyn [364.] You to Use your Utmost Power,
that the Funds be laid in Paper Bills of the Old Tenor, and Not in
Boston Town Eecords, 1739. 229
Bills of the New Tenor, redeemable in Silver and Gold, which
cannot possibl}^ be Obtained by the Inhabitants of this Province.
IV. And Whereas the Public Affairs of this Province are ex-
ceedingl}' Embarras'd, and the Relief which We have so earnestly
and long expected from Home, hath not hitherto had its desired
Success — And having duly inquired into the reason of this
Aggrievance ; We Apprehend that the unhappy Situation of Our
Public Affairs at Home, and their not being Solicited in such a
Manner as the Urgent Necessities of this Province absolutely
requires, is Owing to Nothing so much as the Want of a proper
Agent or Agents, dul}-, and timel}' to Solicit all Our Public Affairs
at Home, which may be transmitted thither from Our Honourable
House of Representatives, and that such Agent or Agents be
appointed and depend upon the Honourable House of Representa-
tives only.
And Therefore, We strongl}' Enjoyn you, to use your utmost
Power and Influence (in Conjunction with the Other worth}- Mem-
bers of the Honourable House of Representatives) that such an
Agent or Agents be appointed by the Honourable House, in such
Manner, and for such Ends and Purposes as shall occasion all}-
Appear for the Necessit}^, Safety, Security and General Weal of
this Province ; And that such Agent or Agents Depend upon the
House of Representatives only
All which is Submitted by.
Your most Humble Servants.
Nathanael Cunningham.
Hugh Vans.
Samuel Adams.
Benjamin Pollard.
MiDDLECOTT CoOKE.
[365.] Upon a Motion made, and seconded The several
Articles of the foregoing Instructions, were distinctly Read, De-
bated and Pass'd upon And then.
Voted, That the Draft of Instructions from the Town of Boston,
to their Representatives, as they have been distinctly read and
considered in the several Articles, be Accepted And that the
Town Clerk be, and herebv is directed and ordered to deliver an
Attested Copy thereof to Each of the Gentlemen the Representa-
tives of the Town of Boston, as the Instructions of the said Town.
Then the Meeting was Dismiss'd.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston, duly Qualified and lawfully Warned in Public
Town Meeting Assembled, at the Town House, On Fryday, July
27"^. Anno Domini, 1739.
The Warrant for Calling the Meeting, Read.
Mr. Thomas Gushing, Junior, was Chosen Moderator.
A Motion was made by the Hon. John Jeffries Esq^ Viz'. That
the Town would please to Consider a Vote pass'd at a Meeting of
the Inhabitants, Mar. 12tii, 1732, respecting the Leasing of Houses
or Lands belonging to them And Represented, that if the said
Order should be strictly Observed in Granting new Leases of the
Shops in Dock Square, it would probabh^ be a Means of hurting
230 City Document No. 66.
the Towns Interest there ; for that, the former Leases (two only
excepted) Expired some time ago, And the Select Men were
prevented Advertising them, according to the said Order, by
reason of their being then Contested in the Law.
Andrew Oliver Esq"", was Chosen One of the Overseers of the
Poor, for the Year current.
[366.] A Motion being made for proceeding to the Choice of
Two Collectors And some Debate arising thereon,
Voted, That, inasmuch as there is no likelihood of any Assess-
ment speedil}' to be made Therefore That the Choice of Two
Collectors be refer'd to the intended Adjournment of this Meeting.
The Gentlemen appointed (at a Public Town-Meeting the 5th
April, 1737) A Committee for Building a Work House in Boston,
having Effected the same, Presented their Report Which is as
follows, Viz'.
To the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston in Town Meeting As-
sembled, on Fryday the 27th. July, 1739.
We the Subscribers being Appointed a Committee at a Meeting
of the said Town, April the 5th. 1737. for the Erecting a Work
House at the upper end of the Common, Agreeable to the Vote of
the said Town, Have Attended that Service And altho' We
have not yet been Able to Settle with all the Subscribers to the
Work, and Trades-Men Emploj^'d therein, Yet have Effected the
same, so that it is now ready to be Improved for the Service de-
signed.
Edward Hutchinson.
Jacob Wendell.
James Bowdoin.
Samuel Sewall.
Daniel Henchman.
Andrew Oliver.
Sundr}^ Proposals, Town Votes and Reports of Committees on
Affair of Erecting a Work House, were also Read.
The Report of the Committee for Erecting the Work House,
being Read again,
[367.] Voted, that the Report be Accepted; And that the
Gentlemen the Overseers of the Poor within the Town of Boston
for the current Year be, and hereby are Directed and Impowered
to Receive, and take Possession of the Work House now Erected,
from the Gentlemen the Committee for Building the same : And
that the said Overseers be also Desired to take upon them the In-
spection Ordering and Government of said House, until the Annual
Meeting of the Inhabitants in March next ; And that the said
House be Used and Improved for the Reception and Employment
of the Idle and Poor of the said Tov^^n, in the best Manner for the
Advantage of the Town, According to the true Design and Inten-
tion of the Gentlemen the Subscribers to that Work, and Pursuant
to the Law of this Province in that Case made and provided.
The Gentlemen the Overseers of the Poor, having prepared a
Body of Orders, and By-Laws for the better, and more decent
Regulating the Work House, Presented the same to the Town for
their Approbation. Read.
BostojS^ To^visr Records, 1739. 231
After some Debate thereon — And upon a Motion Made and
Seconded,
Voted, to Proceed to the Choice of a Committee, to take under
their Consideration the Draught of the Orders and By-Laws for
the Regulation and Government of the Work House, now pre-
sented to the Town and read — And to Report an}' Amendments,
Alterations or Additions which thej^ may think proper.
Voted, That the Number of this Committee be Five.
Voted, That, The Hon. Edward Hutchinson Esq^
Tiie Hon. John Jeffries Esq^
The Hon. Josiah Willard Esq''.
Mr. Christopher Kilby, and
Samuel Adams Esq'',
be a Committee for tlie Ends aforesaid : Who are desired to Report
thereon at the Adjournment of this Meeting.
[368.] Voted, That the Overseers of the Poor be, and hereby
are Desired to proceed to Order, and Govern the Work-House,
according to the By-Laws presented to the Town and Read, Until
the Adjournment of this Meeting, for receiving the Committees
Report thereon.
Upon the Motion made by the Hon. John Jeffries Esq'', at the
Opening of this Meeting, respecting Leasing out the Towns Lands
&c.
Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereb}'^ are Directed and
Impowered (after Advertising the same, in the Public News Papers,
so long as they shall think necessar}') to proceed to Grant New
Leases of the Towns Shops in Dock Square, and such Other of the
Towns Estate, the Leases whereof are Expired, or which will
Expire at or before the First of March next ensuing, to such
Persons, at such Rents, and for such Time as they shall think
most for the Towns Interest and Advantage, Not Exceeding Seven
Years ; the Town Vote and Order made and pass'd the Thirteenth
of March, 1732, to the Contrarj^ hereof, notwithstanding.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Tuesday the 25th. of
September next, at Three O'Clock in the Afternoon.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston, duly Qualified and lawfully Warned, in Publick
Town Meeting Assembled, at the Town House, on Frj'day, the
Fourteenth of September, Anno Domini, 1739.
The Warrant for Calling the Meeting Read.
Mr. Tiiomas dishing Junior, was Chosen Moderator.
[369.] A Petition of Sundry of the Inhabitants, presented to
the Select Men, relating to the Defenceless State of the Town,
Read After some Debate thereon —
Voted, To proceed to the Choice of a Committee to Draw up a
Memorial, or Addiess to the Great and General Court, in Order to
it's being Presented at tlieir approaching Session, Representing the
Defenceless State of the Town of Boston, and Praying for the
Grant of a Sufficient Sum of Money to be Improv'd in Fortifying
the same ; and to lay the said Draught before the Town, at the
Adjournment of this Meeting, for Approbation.
232 City Document No. 6Q.
Voted, that the Number of this Committee be Five.
Voted, that, Mr. Nathanael Cunningham
Colonel Edward Winslow
Major Samuel Sewall
Mr. Shem Drowne, and
John Colman Esquire,
be the Committee for the Ends aforesaid.
Upon a Motion made and Seconded
Voted, That it be given as an Instruction to the said Committee,
in their Drafting the said Address or Memorial, to take Notice of
the large Sums of Money, which for many Years past have been,
and still are Raised, principal!}^ from this Town, by the Duties of
Impost, and paid into the Province Treasury, Which was Origin-
all}' Granted and intended for the Maintenance of a Ship of War,
principally for a Guard, and Protection to the Trade of the Town
of Boston.
Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereby are Desired forth-
with to wait upon His Excellency the Captain General, to acquaint
Him, that the Town has Chosen a Committee to prepare a Mem-
orial or Address to be presented to the Great and General Court,
to Represent the Defenceless State of the Town, and Praj^ for a
Grant of a Sufficient Sum of Money, to be Improv'd [370.] In
Fortifying the same : And Humbly to Pray His Excellency to
Recommend the Affair to the General Court, at their next Sitting.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned, to Tuesday next the
Eighteenth of September current at Four O'Clock Afternoon.
Tuesda}^, September, 18th. 1739.
The Town being Assembled according to Adjournment,
The Committee appointed the fourteenth current to Draw up a
Memorial to be presented to the General Court, laid before the
Town the Draft they had prepared Which was Read. Viz*.
The Committee appointed the 14th. current to draw up a Mem-
orial or Address to the Great and General Court, having attended
that service, humbly lay the Draft they have prepared before the
Town, for their Consideration
All which is Submitted, By,
Nathan^. Cunningham
Edward Winslow
Sept. 18. 1739. Samuel Sewall
Shem Drowne
John Colman
To His Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esquire, Captain General
and Governor in Chief in and over His Majesty's Province of the
Massachusetts Baj' in New England, the Honourable the Council
and House of Representatives, in General Court Assembled, the
19th of Septem^ Anno Domini, 1739.
The Memorial of the Town of Boston.
Humbly Sheweth,
That Whereas there is [371.] Great prospect of a General
War, which will much Affect the Trade of this Province in general,
and the Town of Boston in a particular manner Your Memo-
Boston Town Records, 1739. 233
rialists therefore beg leave to Represent to Your Excellency and
Honours the Defeuceless State of the said Town Our Batteries
being gone to deca}-, and the Province Galle}-, and Sloop, which
were for the Defence of Our Coast, disposed of, and applied to the
Sinking Fund of Our Public Taxes, as has also the Impost, which
Ever since the last War, has been continued, Altho' when the War
Ended, the Occasion of that Tax Ceased also — Which Duties of
Impost have been principall}' paid by the Town of Boston, and
has been a very heavy Burthen upon the Trade thereof, to which
may be added, not only Our growing Charges, but also the Great,
and (as We Humbly Apprehend) disproportionable part of the
Province Tax paid by the Inhabitants of this Town ;
And Considering, that the Safety and Security of the Province
very much depends on Our Coast, Harbour and Town being
Defended by proper Guard Vessels and Fortifications Con-
sidering also, the nearness of Cape Breton, from whence We may
expect in all probability, A Number of Privateers will soon be fitted
out, whereby Not only Our Vessels from Europe, but also Our
Fisher}^ and Coasters (on which great part of Olu- Food and Firing
depends) will be Expos'd.
For which Reasons,
Your Memorialists Humbly Pray, That Our Defenceless
Condition may be taken into Your Wise Consideration
That Our Sea Coast maybe suitabl}" Guarded Our De-
cay'd Batteries Repair'd, And such Other Provision made for
Our Safety and Defence, As Your Excellency and Honours,
in Your Great Wisdom, Shall see Meet.
And Your Memorialists, As in Duty Bound, Shall Ever
Pray, &c.
Voted, That the Draft of an Address now Reported by the Com-
mittee, be Accepted That the Select Men be Desired and
Directed to Sign the Address in the Name and by Order of the
Inhabitants of Boston And that the [373.] Representatives
of the Town Present the same to the Great and General Court, at
their next Sitting.
Voted, That the Thanks of the Town be given to the Gentlemen
of both Committees, for their Pains, in Attending the Services
respectively desired of them.
Then the Meeting was Dismiss'd.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston, on Tuesday the Twent}' fifth of September, 1739.
According to their Adjournment made the Twenty Seventh of July,
last.
Upon a Motion made and Seconded
Voted, That this Meeting be further Adjourn'd to Fryday the
Twelfth of October next, at Three O'Clock Afternoon.
Fryday, October, 12th, 1739.
The Town being Assembled according to Adjournment.
Mess". Thomas Moffatt, and
William Greenleaf,
were Chosen Collectors of Taxes for the Current Year.
234 City Document No. Q6.
The ComtDittee appointed the 18th. of May last past, Upon the
Petition of Mr. John Slaniford, Reported thereon, which was Read,
and is as follows, Viz'.
Boston October 11th. 1739.
The Committee to whom was Referr'd the Consideration of the
Petition of Mr. John Staniford Are of Opinion, That a Bridge from
the Western part of the Town of Boston to Colonel Phips's Farm
will be a Publick Benefit ; and therefore that it will be proper for
the Town of Boston to [373.] Make No Objection to the Prayer
of said Petition.
Nath^. Cunningham
Samuel Welles
Samuel Sewall
H. Hall
Samuel Adams.
Upon a Motion made and Seconded, the Question was put Viz'.
Whether the Town would Pass upon the Report of the Com-
mittee, at this Time?
It Pass'd in the Affirmative. Accordingly,
The Question being put, Viz'. Whether this Report be Accepted ?
It Pass'd in the Affirmative.
Mr. Thomas Moffatt, cliosen one of the Collectors of Taxes,
Appearing, Informs, that he is soon bound to Great Britain
And therefore Prays the Town would please to Excuse him from
that Service Accordingly,
The Question was put
And It Pass'd in the Affirmative.
The Honourable Edward Hutchinson Esquire, from the Com-
mittee appointed the Twenty seventh of July last past, to take
under Consideration the Draught of the Orders and By-Laws for
the Regulation and Government of the Work House Reported
Several Amendments and Additions, which they thought were
proper to be made And having taken the said Amendments
in a New Draught of the said Orders, laid the same before the
Town for their Approbation.
Which were Read — — And are as follows Viz',
[374.] Rules and Orders for the Management of the Work-
House lately Erected in the Town of Boston ; for Employing and
Maintaining the Idle and Poor, belonging to said Town.
Labor improbus omnia vincit.
The General Method
I. Rules relating to the Overseers of the House, and their
Conduct.
II. Rules relating to the Master and Mistress of the House.
III. Rules relating to the Persons admitted into the House.
IV. Rules relating to the Work and Employment of the
House.
V. Rules relating to the Diet and Victualling the House.
VI. Rules relating to the Religious Worship of the House.
Boston Town Records, 1739. 235
VII. Rules relating to the Government of the House.
To which is added,
The Weekly Diet of the House, for the 1^'. Quarter.
Rules and Orders for the Management of the Work House
IN Boston.
I. Rules relating to the Overseers of the Poor loho, by Law have
the Direction of the said House.
1. That there shall be a General Meeting of the Overseers
at the House, the third Tuesday of every Month, at three
O'clock in the Afternoon, to inspect all Accounts, and examin
into the Behaviour of the People committed to the House,
and of their own Officers and Servants, and to redress all Diffi-
culties that occur to the Master, and to hear and consider all
Complaints [375.] Made by the Poor, and to consult and advise
about such further Rules and Methods as may be for the advantage
of said House.
2. That a Committee of the Overseers, consisting of Three
(Two of which are impowered to Act) take the more immediate
Inspection of the House for One Month by- turns : and that they
meet at the House every Tuesdays at three o'Clock in the afternoon,
for inspecting the Management of the House, and the Behaviour of
the Persons therein for the Week past ; for Advising and Assisting
the Master in the Affairs thereof: But that in emergent and im-
I'jortant cases, they call the whole body of Overseers together :
The Master of the House to give notice to the Overseers who are
next to attend, at the beginning of each course.
II. Rules relating to the Master and Mistress of the House.
1. That the Master and Mistress be Persons of approv'd In-
tegrity and Ability, Who shall be chosen annually. At a General
Meeting of the Overseers, sometime in the Month of Ma}^ ; And
in case of their Death or Removal, other Persons be, as soon
as may be Chosen in their Room, by the Overseers, Who shall
have Power to Agree with such Master and Mistress for their
Yearly Salaries : But tliat if the said Master or Mistress be found
guilty of any immoral or iri'egular behaviour, the Overseers reserve
to themselves a Power to dismiss them, and to place others in their
room.
2. That the Master keep a Register of the Names, Ages, Oc-
cupations and Places of Nativity, and of their last abode, of all
the Persons that shall be Admitted into the House, as well as an
Account of the Time of their Entry and of their Deaths or Dis-
mission from the House.
3. That the Master keep the Gates, at all times, well Secured,
and a proper Person be appointed to take care of the same ; Who
shall admit none, nor let any go out, without liberty of the Master,
or in his Absence, of the next Officer : And if any be desirous to
see, or speak with any of the Persons committed to the House, the
236 City Document No. QQ.
Doorkeeper is not to call them, [376.] Without leave: And if
an}^ Person be suspected of bringing in any strong Liquors, or
carrying out any thing, belonging to the House, or an}^ Person
therein, the Door-keeper is to stop them, and give Notice to
the Master, that so due Enquir}' and Search may be made forth-
with, and the Guilty punished : But yet, all such, as in an orderly
way, would see the House, shall be treated with proper Respect
and Civility, by the Master, and in his absence, by the next officer
of the House.
4. That the Master at the Hours appointed for going to Bed,
which in the Summer season shall be at Ten O'Clock, and in the
Winter season at Nine O'Clock shall see all Fires and Lights ex-
tinguished. Excepting what shall be absolutely necessar\^, and that
these be left under proper care.
5. That the Mistress take care that the Victuals be well and
seasonably Dress'd, the Bread and Beer prepared according to the
Direction of the Overseers ; that the Rooms be Swept, and Beds
made every Day ; that the Windows be frequently Opened for
Airing the House ; that the House be Washed, as often as shall be
judg'd necessary ; that the Table-Linnen, Dishes &c, be clean ;
that the People be kept clean and neat in their Apparel, and have
clean Linnen to Shift Once every Week, and the Beds Shifted
Once a Month in the Summer Season: And that, for her Assist-
ance, there shall be proper Persons Appointed by the Overseers,
or their Committee for these Services, as well as for other Neces-
sar}- Occasions of the House.
6. That the Master buy the Provisions, and Materials for
Work, and other Necessaries ; and dispose of what is Manufac-
tured, to the best advantage, according to the Advice and Direction
of the Overseers, with whom he is to consult in this, and all other
matters of Importance.
7. That the Master keep Books of Accounts of all Expences,
and Profits of the House, to be Pass'd upon, and allowed by the
Overseers, at their Monthl}'^ Meetings, and to be Open to the In-
spection of the Town, whenever they shall see cause to appoint a
Committee for that Service.
[377.] That the first Book contain An Inventory of all Fur-
niture, Linnen and Woolen Cloathing bought, and of the necessary
Utensils belonging to said House, with an Account how they are
disposed of.
That the next Book Contain An Account of all the Provisions
&c. bought ; as also the Quantities of each Sort Expended every
Day, and of the Number of Persons provided for, each Day.
And that the last Book contain An Account of all the Stock, and
Materials for Carrying on the Work of the House, which has been
purchased, or sent to be manufactored, as also the Names of the
Persons by whom sent ; with an Account how such Goods are dis-
posed of, and of the Profits arising on the same.
8. That the Master and Mistress be Obliged to Observe such
further Rules and Orders as shall be thought necessar\^ to be made
by the Overseers, from time to time, relating to the Affairs of the
House, Agreeable to the Law of the Province.
Boston Town Records, 1739. 237
III. Rules relating to the Persons that shall be Admitted into the
House.
1. That None shall be Admitted without a written Order, under
the Hand of One or more of the Overseers.
2. That upon their Admission, they be Examin'd, Whether
they are free from Lice and foul Distemper ; And such as shall not
be found clean, shall be put into some particular Room, 'till they
be perfectly cleans'd : And that the\' be Obliged to take Care to
keep themselves Wash'd and Comb'd, and their Cloathes neat and
whole, and to Change their Liunen Once a Week.
3. That the Sevei'al Persons in the House constantly Repair at
the stated Hours to their proper Apartments : where they shall
work orderly at such Business, and so man}- Hours as the Over-
seers shall direct.
4. That they constantly attend the Worship of God, in the
House, and observe the Rules prescribed for their Meals.
5. That when any Children shall be Received into the House,
there shall be some sutable Women appointed to attend them ;
Who are to take Care that they be Wash'd, [378.] Comb'd and
Dressed every Morning, and be Taught to Read, and Instructed in
the Holy Scriptures and Assemblies Catechism, at such Hours as
shall be appointed by the Overseers ; And that the rest of their
Time be employ 'd in such Work as shall be Assigned them ; And
when they arrive to a sutable Age, they shall be Bound out into
good Families, as the Law directs.
6. That when any Persons are taken Sick, they shall be re-
moved into the Alms- House, if it may be done with Safety, and
be put under the Care of said House 'till further Orders : But if a
removal shall be judg'd dangerous, then they shall have a Nurse,
and the Town's Physician to attend them, where they are.
IV. Rules relating to the Work and Employment of the People
in the House.
1. That the Bell shall be rung every Morning to call the Family
up ; and such Persons as are able, shall repair to the several
Places appointed for them to do their work in, and shall be kept
diligently at work from Snch Hours in the Morning, to such Hours
in the Evening, as the Overseers shall from time to time direct ;
Excepting so much time as shall be allow'd for Meals, and Reli-
gious Worship.
2. That the common Work of the House be Picking of Oakum,
Unless for such Trades-Men, whose Business may be well accomo-
dated in the House, and it shall be judged more profitable to
employ them in their proper Trades ; Such as Taylors, Shoe-
makers, Mopmakers, Nailers &c. And that such of the Women
as are capable, be employ'd in Carding, and Spinning Wooll, Flax,
Yarn for Mops, and Cotton Yarn for Candlewick, Knitting, Sew-
ing &c. But that these things be determined and regulated by
the Overseers, or their Committee.
3. That Whereas the Poverty and Ruin of many Families is
often Owing to the Idleness and [379.] Vicious Courses of one
238 City Document No. 66.
of the Heads of it, more particularly of the Masters, Who mu}'
have been bred to some good Trade, that by Industry would com-
fortably support them, the rest of the Family being Industrious,
and in a capacity of Earning something considerable towards their
own Support, so that it may be judg'd proper to order said Persons
up to the House and Employ them there ; In that case. An Account
shall be kept of their Earnings, and after a reasonable deduction
for their Maintenance in the House, the Overplus sliall be apphed
to the Support of their Family in such Ways and Methods, as the
Overseers or their Committee shall direct.
V. Males relating to the Diet and Victualling of the House, and
the proper Seasons thereof.
1. That the Overseers shall, from time to time, as often as
they shall judge Necessary, at any General Meeting, Agree upon
the Diet of the House, to be continued 'till further Order ; which
Agreement they shall deliver in writing to the Master for his
direction.
2. That the Hour of Dining be Twelve a Clock, at which time
the People of the House shall all be called together, and Dine in
one room (if it will contain them) having their Tables cover'd
with sutable Cloths, Dishes, Trenchers &c. and the Commons for
the Day, as directed by the Overseers : That None be allowed to
Dine in their separate rooms, unless in case of indisposition : But
that as to their Breakfast and Supper, it maj- be delivered to them
out of the Kitchen, between the Hours of Eight and Nine in the
Morning, and of Six and Seven in the Evening.
3. That they be allowed from the Hour of Twelve to One
for the time of Dining ; and that from Plight to Nine in the
Morning, and from Six to Seven in the Evening, be allowed for
the other Meal times, and for Attendance on Divine Worship.
VI. Rules relating to the Religious Worship of the House.
[380.] 1. That the Master every Morning between the
Hours of Eight and Nine, and every Evening between the Hours
of Six and Seven, Call the People together, and Read a sutable
portion of the Holy Scriptures to them, and Pray with them ; And
as often they Eat together, Ask a Blessing, and Return Thanks.
2. That he take especial Care, that the Sabbath be duly Ob-
served ; And besides the Morning and Evening Service, he shall
be Obliged (until other provision be made) to call the whole
Family together, at least One part of the Day, and spend a suta-
ble portion of Time in Praying, Singing of Psalms, and Reading
some practical discourses of Divinity, that shall be Appointed by
the Overseers.
VII. Rules relatiyig to the Government of the House, both with
respect to Rewards and Punishments.
1. That all Immoralities and Disobedience to the Crovernment
of the House, and other Misbehaviour, be by the Master noted in
Boston Town Records, 1739. 239
a Book, and laid before the Overseers, or their Committee ; that
b}' their Authority' and Admonition, such Rudeness and Immorality
may be restrained, and Peace and good Order maintained, and all
obstinate, perverse and unriilj' Persons punished, according to
their Crimes.
2. That such as shall dul}' Observe the fore-going Orders, and
faithfully Perform their several Tasks shall be Intitled to One
penn}' out of every Shilling the}' Earn, to be disposed of by the
Overseers for their greater Comfort.
3. That Whereas some slothful Persons may pretend Sickness
or Lameness, to excuse themselves from Labour: It is Ordered,
That such Persons shall pass a proper Examination by the Phy-
sician ; And if it should Appear upon his Report and other con-
curring Circumstances that those Persons made false Excuses they
shall be punished by such an Addition of Labour [381.] To their
daily Stint or some other way, as the Ovwseers or their Committee
shall determine.
4. That No Person presume to Smoke Tobacco in their Beds, On
penalty of being denied Smoking for One week ; And that if any
be convicted a Second Time, He or She shall be punished as for
other Misdemeanours.
5. Tliat No Person presume to Beg Monej", or any other thing,
directly or indirectly, from an^^ Person, that shall come to Visit the
House, on penalty- of being denied their next Meal.
6. That No Person presume to go out of the House without
Liberty ; And that every One who Obtains leave, shall return
in good Order, at the time appointed. On penalty- of being denied
going oat for One Month for the first Offence, and for Three Months
for every Offence afterwards
7. That if any Person shall Neglect to repair to their {)roper
places for Work ; Or being there, shall refuse to work, loiter or be
idle ; Or shall not well perform the Task of work set them ; Or
shall waste and spoil an}' of the Materials, or Tooles of the several
Manufactures; Or shall deface the Walls, or break the Windows,
Or shall disturb the House by Clamour, Quarrelling, Fighting
or abusive Language ; Or shall bring any strong Liquors into
the House without leave; Or shall be Absent from Divine
Service without reasonable Excuse ; Or prophane the Sabbath ;
Or carry it disrespectfully to their Governoars ; Or shall be Guilty
of Lying, or wanton and lascivious Behaviour; Or shall Drink to
Excess, Steal or prophanely Curse and Swear; Or in any Other
respect Act immorally or irregularly. They shall be Punished,
eilhcr by denying them a Meal, or whole days allowance, or by
Gaging, or causing them to wear a Collar round about their Necks
with a wooden Clog to it, or by Obliging them to stand on a Stool
in a publick Place, with a Paper fix'd on tlieir Breast, denoting
their Crime in Capitals, for the space of One Hour, Or by Ordering
them into the Dungeon to be kept with Bread and Water, not
exceeding Forty Eight Hours, Or by an Addition of Labour to
their daily Task, according to the nature and circumstance of the
Crime ; And in Case of frequent repetition and [382.] Obstinacy
in their Criujes, they shall be Punished by Order of One or more
240
City Document No. 66.
Justices of the Peace, b}"" removal into Bridewell, or otherwise as
the Law directs,
8. That the Committee of Overseers, at their Weekly Meeting,
have Power to punish all breaches of the foregoing Orders,
Excepting those that are referred to tlie Cognizance of a Justice
of Peace : And in all such Cases a Majority of the Overseers shall
be called together.
9. That the Master of the House have Power, in the intervals
between the Meetings of the Committee of the Overseers, to punish
the breaches of the foregoing Orders, according to the Instructions
he shall receive in writing from the Overseers or Directors of the
House from time to time ; And that in any Cases of Difficult^'
Arising, which may need a more speedy Consideration, he shall
call the Committee together for their Advice and Assistance.
10. That if any Person in the House shall discover any other
Person who shall be Guilty of any of the foregoing Offences, Such
Person shall I'eceive some such Reward or Incouragement as shall
be Ordered by the Overseers or their Committee : And, if any Per-
son shall know of an}^ of the Offences aforesaid, and doth not
discover the same. Such Person shall be Punished according to the
discretion of the Overseers.
11. That the foregoing Rules and Orders of the House be pub-
lickly Read, every Monday Morning, that none may plead or pre-
tend Ignorance of them.
The End.
The Diet of the House for the first Quarter.
Breakfast
Supper
Dinner
Lords Day
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursda}^
Fryday
Saturday
N.B. Small Beer to be given as there may be Occasion.
[383.] The Question being put. Viz'. Whether the foregoing
Orders and By-Laws for the decent Regulating the Work-House,
as taken in the New Draught, with the Amendments, be Approved
and Accepted ?
It Pass'd in the Affirmative.
Voted, That the Overseers of the Poor be and hereby are Desired
to proceed to Regulate and Govern the Work House, according to
the said By-Laws Until the Town shall see cause to Order
Otherwise.
Upon a Motion made and seconded.
Voted, That the Committee for Building the Work-House be, and
hereby are Desired to Report to the Town, their Transactions in
that Aflair, as full}^ as may be, at the next General Town Meeting.
Mr. WilUam Greenleaf, chosen One of the Collectors of Taxes,
Appearing, Prays the Town would please to Excuse' him from
Boston Town Eecoeds, 1739. 241
Serving in that Office for that he intends Speedily to remove
out of the Town. Aecordingl}',
The Question was put And
It Pass'd in the Affirmative.
Whereas Several Persons Chosen to Serve the Town in the
Office of Collectors of Taxes, for the Year current, have
refused to undertake the same And it not being likel}-
that the Taxes will be speedily made Therefore,
Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereby are Desired to
Confer with the Constables of the Town, Or any other Sutable
Persons, in Order to their undertaking the Collecting the Taxes
for the Year current And that they be desired to Report
thereon, at the next General Town Meeting.
Then the Meeting was dismiss'd.
[384.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhab-
itants of the Town of Boston, duly Qualified, and lawfully
Warned, in Public Town Meeting Assembled, at. the Town House,
Upon Monday, the Tenth of December, Anno Domini, 1739.
Prayer being made by the Reverend Mr. William Hooper
A Precept under the Hand and Seal of the Honourable John
Quincy Esquire, Speaker of the Honourable House of Represen-
tatives, directed to the Select Men, Requiring them to Assemble
the Freeholders and other Inhabitants, to make choice of, and
Depute (if tiie}^ see cause) A Person to serve for, and Represent
them in the Great and General Court or Assembly, Now Convened,
held and kept, for His Majesty's Service, at the Court House in
Boston In the Room of Mr, Christopher Kilby, Who is Gone
Agent for the House of Representatives, to the Court of Great
Britain Together with the Warrant for Calling the Meeting
Read.
The Question was put, Viz'. Whether the Town would proceed
to Chuse A Person to Serve for, and Represent them in the Great
and General Court or Assembly Now Convened, in the Room of
Mr. Kilby?
Voted, In the Affirmative.
Then the Laws respecting the Power of the Select Men, to give
Directions for the regular, and Orderl}^ Carrying on the Meetings
for the Choice of Representatives, &c. were Read.
And,
The Town proceeded to bring in their Votes for One Represen-
tative Accordingly. Wliich being Collected and Number'd The
Number of [385.] Voters was found to be.. One Hundred and
Forty two.
The Votes being Sorted and Number'd, it appear'd that. Captain
Nathanaol Cunningham was Chosen by a great Majority of Votes.
Viz. One Hundred and Eleven Votes.
The Election of a Representative being ended, the Select Men
declared the same ; And the Town proceeded to the Choice of a
Moderator And Capt. Nathanael Cunningham was accordingly
Chosen Unanimously.
The Honourable John Jeffries Esq^ made a Motion Viz'. That
242 City Document No. G6.
the Town would Chuse Two Persons to Inform against, and Pros-
ecute the Violaters of An Act, in addition to an Act for the better
Preservation and Increase of Deer within this Province ; Accord-
ing to the Direction of the Law in that Case provided.
Upon the Motion made b}' the Hon. John Jeffries Esq'.
Voted, To proceed to tlic Clioico of Two Persons, to Inform
against and Piosecute the Violaters of the Act for the better Pres-
ervation and Increase of Deer within this Province.
Accordingly
Mess'^^ Jeremiah Belknap, and \ Sworn.
Richard Hubbard j Sworn,
were chosen to that Ollice, Until the Annual Meeting of the Inhab-
itants in March next.
Whereas, at a Public Town Meeting held b}^ Adjournment the
12th. of October last, It was referr'd to the Select Men to Confer
with the Constables of the Town, or any other sutal)le Persons, in
Order to their undertaking the Collecting the Taxes for the current
Year They now Reported thereon, as follows, Viz'.
Pursuant to the Vote of the Town as above We the Sub-
scribers have Conferr'd with the Constables of the Town, relating
to their Collecting the Taxes [386,] For the Year Current
Who refuse to Accept of that Office, on any Terms proposed to
them.
Jonathan Aemitage ^
Alexander Forsyth [ Select-
Dec. 6. 1739. Caleb Lyman f Men.
Jonas Clarke j
Whereas, the Town of Boston, at a Public Meeting, the 19th.
of March last, Pass'd the following Vote, Viz'.
" That Nine pence upon the Pound be and hereby is Allowed to
"the several Collectors of Taxes within the Town of Boston for
''• the year ensuing ; They Giving Bond with Sufficient Suietys, for
"the faithful Discharge of their Office, to the Satisfaction of the
"Select Men."
And Whereas Two of the Collectors then Chosen Viz*. Mess".
Daniel Pecker and Nathanael Barber, have since refused to Accept
of that Office, Upon Account of the growing difficulties which
Attend it ; A Motion was made, and Seconded by many. Viz'.
That Three pence upon the Pound might be Added to the former
Allowance Which will make their Allowance to be One Shil-
ling upon the Pound, for Collecting the Taxes for the Year current
Accordingly,
The Question being put. It Pass'd in the Affirmative.
Voted, to proceed to the Choice of Two Persons to Serve in the
Office of Collectors of Taxes within this Town, for the Year cur-
rent, in the Room of the Persons above named, Who have I'efused
to serve therein And that they be chosen by a Hand Vote.
Mess''^ John Goldthwait, and ] n ^^ *.
T , o^ -r. 1 f Collectors.
John Stamford j
Were accordingly Chosen, two of the Collectors of Taxes within
the Town of Boston, for the 3ear current.
Then the Meetins; was Dismiss'd.
Boston Town Eecoeds, 1739-40. 243
[387.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston, duly Qualified and lawfully Warned,
in Public Town Meeting Assembled, at the Town House, On
Monday the Tenth of March A. D. 1739. .
Prayer being made by the Reverend Mr. William Hooper.
The Warrants for Calling the Meeting Read,
The Town then proceeded to the Choice of a Moderator and the
Votes being accordingly Collected, it appeared that, Mr. Thomas
Gushing Jun''. was Chosen, Unanimousl3\
Sundry Laws Read.
Samuel Gerrish was unanimously Chosen Town Clerk for the
year ensuing, and Sworn.
Sundrj' Petitions, Reports, and Motions Viz'.
A Petition of Mr. Samuel Allen, School-Master, for Addition to
his Salar}' Read.
A Petition of the Masters of the Fire Engines Read.
A Petition of Sundry Inhabitants for ) -p ,
Paving of Love Street j ^^®^^*-
A Petition of Sundry Inhabitants (to the Select Men) respecting
the state of the North and South Battery's and for Securing
and Maintaining the Town's Rights on and about Fort
Hill Read.
A Petition of the Gi'ave Diggers (to the Select Men) represent-
ing the state of the South Burj-ing Places Read.
A Report of the Select Men, on the Visitation of the Public
Schools Read.
A Report of the Select Men, relating to the disposition of the
Moneys arising from the Sale of the Three Tracts of Land,
Granted by the Genei'al Court Read.
A Petition of Mr. William Salter, Keeper of the Powder
House Read.
A Petition of Mr. Richard Buckley and Others Assessors in
the year, 1739 Read.
[388.] A Petition of Mess". Andrew and Peter Oliver, for Hir-
ing the unimproved Lands on Fort Hill, for a Pasture Read.
Mr. William Torre3', made a Motion that the Town would con-
sider of some effectual method to prevent frauds in the
Measure of Coal.
Mr. Heur}' Gibbs, made a Motion that the Town would consider
of some means to prevent frauds in the Measure of Cord
wood, Sold in this Town.
Then the Town proceeded to the Choice of Officers &c.
Voted, to proceed to the Choice of Seven Select Men.
The Votes being accordingly Collected and Sorted it appear'd
that the following Gentlemen were Chosen to that Office- for
the Year, ensuing. Viz'.
The Honourable John Jeffries Esq''. ^
Capt. Jonathan Armitage
Mr. David Collson |
Capt. Alexander Forsyth. y Select-Men.
Caleb Lyman Esq''.
Mr. Jonas Clarke.
Mr. Thomas Hutchinson
244
City Document No. QQ.
Constables.
Voted, to Chuse Twelve Constables distinct from the Collectors
^f Taxes. Accordingl}' —
Mess". William Marchant
Benjamin Brown
William Tliwing
John Proctor
Lawrence Lutwyche
Thomas Ayres
Thomas Greeuough
Lewis Vassall
Timothy Emerson
Caleb Ray
Richard True
John Sim[)son (Brasier)
were Chosen Constables for the year ensuing.
[389.] The Honourable Joseph Wadsworth Esq'', was Chosen
Town Treasurer, for the Year ensuing And Sworn.
Pay
Pay
Excus'd
Pay
Sworn
Sworn,
Pay.
Excus'd
Pay
Excus'd
Pay
Paid in 1737.
Mess''
Caleb Ray
John Adams
Joseph Russell
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
John Indicott, Sworn y Fence Viewers
Thomas Foster
Hopestill Foster
Gershom Flagg
Sworn
Sworn
Belongs to an Engine.
Were Chosen P'ence Viewers for the j'ear ensuing.
Sworn
Sworn
> Viewers of Shingles &c.
Sworn
Sworn
Mess". Joseph White
Edward Richards
Joseph Ricks, Sworn
William Paine, Sworn
Edward Moberly
Mathew Barnard
Were Chosen Surveyors of Boards, Timber, Shingles &c.
Mr. Isaac Gridley was Chosen Surveyor of Hemp. Sworn.
Mess". John Helyer ^ Sworn
Harvey Thomas j Sworn
Samuel Green, Sworn }> Cullers of Staves.
John Hobbs | Sworn.
Joseph Ingraham J Sworn.
Were Chosen Cullers of Staves.
Voted, That the Select Men be Surveyors of High Ways.
Mess". Richard Hubbard ) t ^ v. ^ t\ Sworn
T • 1 T) II r Iniormers about Deer. ^
Jeremiah Belknap j Sworn.
to Inform against and Prosecute the Violators of the Act for the
better Preservation and Increase of Deer within this Province.
Mr. Richard-Carter Cowell, was Chosen Haward, for the year
ensuing, Sworn.
[400.] Mess". Samuel May
* Nathanael Hodgdon
John Allen
Benjamin Emmons
Benjamin Mason
Thomas Inches
Where Chosen Sealers of Leather.
* [Here the paging of the original is changed by ten pages to p. 400 instead of p. 390, but
there is no break in the manuscript. W. H. W.]
Sworn
Sworn
> Sealers of Leather. ^^
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
Boston Town Records, 1739-40.
245
Voted, That the Consideration of the State of the Batterys, be
refer'd to the Afternoon, at Five O'Clock, and at the same time to
Vote for a County Treasurer.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourn'd to Three O'Clock this
Afternoon.
>■ Overseers of Poor.
Afternoon, the Town being Assembled.
A Petition of Samuel Kneeland Read.
The following Gentlemen wei'e Chosen Overseers of the Poor,
for the year ensuing, Viz'.
The Hon. Jacob Wendell Esq"
William Tyler Esq'.
Capt. Jeffery Bedgood
Major John Hill
Thomas Hubbard Esq^
Daniel Henchman Esq''.
Joshua Cheever Esq''.
Mr. Edward Bromfield
Capt. William Downe
Mr. Samuel Hunt
Andrew Oliver Esq"".
Mr. Isaac White
Mess". Richard Buckley
Peter Thomas
Joshua Blanchard
Jacob Parker )■ Assessors.
William Salter
Daniel Pecker Sworn '
Nathanael Barber Sworn
Were Chosen Assessors for the year ensuing.
[4:01.] Capt. Jonathan Armitage and
Mr. David Collson, Two of the Select Men chosen in the Morn-
ing, Desiring to be Excused having Served in that Office
Several Years past The Town proceeded to the Choice of Two
Select Men in their Room And the Votes being accordingly
Collected and Sorted It Appear'd, That,
Mr. Thomas Hancock and
Mr. MidcUecott Cooke
were Chosen Select Men, for the year ensuing
The Report of the Select Men relating to the Disposition of the
Moneys arising from the Sale of Three Tracts of Land, Granted
by tlie General Court Read Again And after some
Debate thereon The Question was put, Viz'. Whether the
Town would now proceed upon the Consideration of the said
Report As also upon the Affair of Fortifications?
It pass'd in the Negative.
Voted, Thai the Consideration of the Report of the Select Men,
And the Affair of the Fortifications be referr'd to the intended ad-
journment of this Meeting.
246
City Document No. 6Q.
Constables.
Mess''. Samuel Holland . Sworn
John Seiller . . Sworn
Thomas Hawding . Paid in 1735.
Samuel Hastings . Sworn
Robert Duncan, . Sworn
Joshua Richardson . Pay
Abel Kedgell . . Excus'd
William Crow . . Sworn
Samuel Demming . Pay
David CoUson Jun"^. Pay
were Chosen Constables.
According to Order in the Fore Noon, the Town proceeded to
bring in their Votes for a Count}^ Treasurer ■ Which being
collected were, according to Law Sealed up by Constable Lawrence
Lutwyche, by him to be kept, and return'd to the next Quarter
Sessions to be held for the County of Suffolk.
[403 . ] Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned 'till Tomorrow
Morning, at Nine O'Clock.
Tuesday, March, 11th. 1739.
The Town being Assembled according to Adjournm*.
The Report of the Select Men, on the Visitation of the Public
Schools, being presented, was Read, and is as follows. Viz'.
To the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of Boston, in Town
Meeting Assembled, Mar. 10. 1739.
Pursuant to a Vote of the Town of Boston at their Annual Meet-
ing the 12th. of March, last p:ist. Desiring the Select Men to Visit
the several Public Schools in the Town, and to Report thereon
We the Subscribers accordingly attended that Service, on Mon-
day the 25th, of June last, Accompanied by the following
Gentlemen, Viz'.
The Honourable William Dummer Esq^
The Hon. Samuel Welles Esq^.
The Rev. Joseph Sewali, D.D.
The Rev. Mr. Tliomas Prince
The Rev. Mr. William Cooper
The Rev. Mr. Samuel Checkley
The Rev. Mr. Charles Chauncy
And found the said Schools under a good regulation ; the Num-
ber of Scholars in the said Schools being as follows. Viz'. In the
South Grammar School, One Hundred and Ten ; In the North
Grammar School, Sixty Six ; In the South Writing School, Sixt}^ ;
In the Writing School in Queen Street, Sevent3' Seven ; In the
North Writing School, Two Hundred and Eighty.
John Jeffries ) q i t
Caleb Lyman Jonathan Armitage > ,r
Tho^. Hutchinson Alexander Forsyth )
[403.] Voted, That this Report be Accepted: And that the
Gentlemen the Select Men be, and hereby are Desired to Visit the
Public Schools within the Town the Year ensuing, Desiring Such
Gentlemen to accompany them therein, as they shall think proper ;
And that the^- Report thereon.
Boston To^tst Eecords, 1739-40.
247
Scavengers.
Mess". Natlianael Band, Sworn "^
William Scott Sworn tt
James Gibson Sworn \ Hogreves.
Natlianael Richardson, Sworn J
^ere chosen Hogreves.
Mess". Thomas Boucher
John Ben net
Thomas Johnson
Nathanael Gardner
Samuel Parkman
John Vintenon
.Jonathan "Williams
Benjamin Edwards
Henr}' Pigeon
Samuel Hill
John Collson
Bartholomew Gedne}"
were Chosen Scavengers.
Upon a Motion made, that the Clerks of the Market be chosen
by written Votes,
The Question was put, And it Pass'd in the Negative.
Voted to proceed to the Choice of Eight Clerks of the Market.
And,
Mess". Samuel Gibbon
Charles Coffin Sworn
Eobert Watt Sworn
William Thwing Sworn
Benjamin Neal Sworn
Job Coit Excus'd
Thomas Stoddard Paid
John Cravath Excus'd
were accordingly Chosen to that Office.
[404.] The Memorial of Mess'
Thomas and Others, Assessors of the Town of Boston
past, Praying for firther Allowance for their Service
And after some Debate thereon.
Voted, That the Sum of Twenty four Pounds, be Allow'd and
Paid to Mess". Richard Buckle}" and others Assessors of the
Town of Boston the year past, in full for Twelve Books by them
Copied for the Collectors, which Sum being charg'd iii their
Account Exhibited to the Select Men, was Excepted to, and Dis-
allow'd, as being without president.
Clerks of the
Market.
Richard Buckley, Peter
the Year
- Read.
P^xcus'd ^
Sworn I
Excus'd y Constables.
Excus'd
Mess". John Tuckerman
John Decoster
John Seaborn
Joseph How
Daniel Bnllard Jun'. Pay
were chosen Constables.
A Petition of Sundry Inhabitants, presented to the Select Men,
Praying, among other tilings, that there might be inserted in the
Warrant for calling this Meeting, "A Clause, Effectually to bring
inder the Towns Consideration, to preserve all the Towns Right
248 City Document No. 6Q.
"in Fort Hill, and the Battery Ground, to Recover it from the
"Encroachments already made, and to preserve it from any far-
"ther " Read again,
And after Some Debate thereon,
Voted, to proceed to the Choice of a Committee to Enquire into
the Towns Rights on and about Fort Hill.
Voted, That the Number of the Committee be Five.
Voted, that, Samuel Adams, Esquire
Mr. Joseph Marion
Mr. Robert Rand
Mr. Shem Drowne
Mr. Jonathan Williams
[405.] Be a Committee for the ends aforesaid : And they
are Desired to Report thereon, at the Adjournment of this Meet-
ing.
The Hon. Edward Hutchinson Esquire, presented A Report of
the Committee for Building the Work House Which was Read,
And is as follows, Viz'.
To the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, in Town Meeting
Assembled, On Monday, Mar. 10. 1739.
We the Subscribers being a Committee Chosen by the Town, 5,
April, 1737, for Building a Work House at the upper end of the
Common, Made Report of Our Doings therein to the Town Meet-
ing Assembled 27, July, last, which was then Accepted, but were
not then able to Settle the Accounts relating to it, Which have
since done, and now tender to the Town, b}^ which there Appears
a deficiency of Three Hundred Seventy Seven Pounds Eleven
Shillings and Two pence Notwithstanding We have Obtained
Subscriptions to the Amount of Seven Hundred and Twenty Nine
Pounds, Since the first Subscription Offered to the Town, the Cost
of the House rising much higher than the best Calculations given
in to Us.
Edward Hutchinson
Jacob Wendell
James Bowdoin
Samuel Sewall
Andrew Oliver
Daniel Henchman
Voted, That this Report be Accepted ; And that the Sum of
Three Hundred Seventy' Seven Pounds, Eleven Shillings and Two
pence, Which still remains a Ballance due to the said Committee
for Building the Work House, As Appears by the Account by them
exhibited, And is what the Charge of said House amounted to,
Over and above the Subscriptions of Private Persons for Erecting
the same, [406.] Be, and hereby is Allow'd to be Paid out of
the Treasury to the Said Committee, in full discharge of the same.
Voted, That the Thanks of the Town be given to the Gentlemen
who have so Generously Subscribed towards the Building the Work
House
And also to the Gentlemen the Committee for Building the same,
for their great Care, and Pains taken therein.
The Petition of John Eaiie and Others the Masters of the Fire
Boston To-s\'n Records, 1739-40. 249
Engines, in behalf of themselves and their Corapanj's, Praying
they may be Exempted from serving in Other Town Offices the
year ensuing, for Reasons mentioned.
Voted, That the Prayer of the Petitioners be Granted.
Upon a Motion made and Seconded bj' many,
Voted, That for the Encouragement of the respective Companj's
belonging to the several Fire-Engines in this Town, And to stim-
ulate them to their Duty, in Extinguishing of Fires, as there may
be Occasion There be, and hereby is Aliow'd to be Paid
out of the Town Treasury, the Sum of Five Pounds to the Com-
pany of such Fire Engine, as shaJl first be brought to work upon
an}' House or other Building that shall be on fire.
A Petition of Samuel Kneeland, A Prisoner in His Majesty's
Goal, for a Debt due to the Town Pi'aying the Town would
please to forgive the Debt for which he is there detain'd, for
Reasons therein mentioned Read.
Voted, That the Petition be referr'd to the Select Men
Who are hereb}^ Desired to make Enquirj' into the Circumstances
of the Petitioner, and to Report thereon at the Adjournment of
this Meeting.
[407.] Mess" Ezekiel Needham . Pay )^ ,,
Andrew Symmes . Sworn j
were Chosen Constables.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned 'till the Afternoon At
Three O'Clock.
Afternoon, The Town being Assembled.
The Select Men's Report of their Examination of Mr. Francis
Willoughby's Account of the Granary for the 3-ear past, and Entred
in Mr. Willoughby's Book Read.
Voted, That the sai I Report be Accepted : And that Mr. Wil-
loughby be accordingly further accountat)le for Four Flundred and
Ninety Bushels of Indian Corn, and One Hundred Fiftj' two
Bushels of Rie, And the Sum of Five Hundred Seventy five
Pounds Nine Shillings in Bills of Credit the whole of
which Amounts to Eight Hundred Tliirty Nine Pounds, Seventeen
Shillings, Which remains in his Hands ; Exclusive of Mr.
Willoughby's Salary for the year past, Viz'. One Hundred Pounds,
Which is hereby also aliow'd.
Voted, That Mess". Edward Jackson
John Salter
Jeremiah Belknap
be a Committee for Purchasing Grain ; Who are hereby Impower'd
to give all needful Directions to the Master of the Granary, re-
specting the Quantities of Grain to be Sold, and setting the Price
thereof, from time to time.
A Petition of Mess". Andrew and Peter Oliver, for Hiring the
Lands on Fort Hill not within Fence Read.
Voted, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referr'd to
the Committee Appointed in the Forenoon to Enquire into the
Towns Rights on and about F'ort Hill — Who are Desired to Con-
sider the Prayer of the Petitioners and Report What they shall
250 City Document No. 66.
think proper for the Town to do thereon, at the Adjournment of
this Meeting.
[408.] A Petition of Mr. Samuel Allen, Master of the South
Writing School, Praying for some Addition to his Salar}', for
Reasons therein Mention'd — Read.
Voted, That the Sum of Thirty Pounds p Annum be, and hereby
is Added to Mr. Samuel Allen's Salar}^ to Commence the Twelfth
of March, current.
A Petition of Mr. William Salter, Keeper of the Powder House
in Boston, Praj'ing for some Allowance to be made him for his
Care of the Towns Stock of Powder there, for reasons mentioned
— Read.
Voted that this Petition be referr'd to the Consideration of the
Select Men, And that they be Desired to Report to the Town at
the Adjournment of this Meeting, What they may think proper to
be done thereon.
A Petition of Sundr}^ Inhabitants for Paving Love Street —
Read.
Voted, That this Petition be Referr'd to the Select men, Who
are hereb}' Desired to Estimate the Charge of the Towns part of
said Paving, And to Report thereon, at the Next General Town
Meeting.
A Petition of John Chambers, and Others, Grave Diggers, pre-
sented to the Select Men, Representing that the Old and South
Burying Places, are so fill'd with Dead Bodies, they are Obliged
Oft times to Bury them four deep Praying it may be laid
before the Town, for their Consideration. Read.
Voted, That the Consideration of this Affair be Referr'd to the
Select Men, Who are Desired to Report to the Town at the next
General Town Meeting, What they may think proper for to be done
thereon.
The Report of a Committee appointed the Second of [409.]
May last past, to Audit the Town Treasurers Accounts for the
year past, as Entred in the Treasurers Book — Read — Accepted —
And
Voted, That the Treasurer be (so far) accordingly discharged.
Voted, That the Sum of Two Hundred Pounds be Allowed, and
Paid to the lion. Joseph Wadsworth Esq', out of the Town
Treasury, for his good Service as Town Treasurer the year past.
The following Gentlemen were Chosen a Committee for Auditing
the Town Treasurers Accounts for the year ensuing. Viz'.
The Hon. Edward Hutchinson Esq"". ")
Joshua Winslow Esq''. |
Mr. John Wheelwright }- Auditors.
Mr. Nathanael Balston I
Mr. Cornelius Waldo J
Upon the Motion made by Mr. William Torrey, at the O'pening
this Meeting for the Town to Consider of some effectual
Method to prevent frauds in the Measure of Coal, Sold in this
Town
Voted, That the Select Men be Desired to give it in Charge to
their Officer, whom they employ to inform of and prosecute the
Boston Town Eecords, 1739-40. 251
Breaches of the By-Laws of tins Town that he be carefal to Inform
against and Prosecute All such as he shall find transgressing the
Laws of this Province in this Case already made and provided.
Mr. Treasurer Wadsworth presented An Estimate of what ma}'
be proper to be raised by this Town, for defraying the necessary
Charges of the Current Year.
Voted, That the Granting of Money for defraying the Charges
of the current year, be referr'd to the next General Town Meet-
ing.
Mr. Jacob Emmons was Chosen One of the Clerks of the Market
for the year ensuing. Sworn.
[410.] Voted, To proceed to the Choice of Three Collectors
of Taxes for the year ensuing ; By a Hand Vote.
Accordingl}'
Mess". Jacob Sheafe \
John Stani ford /Collectors.
John Goldthwait '
were Chosen to serve in that OflSce.
Voted, That Twelve pence upon the Pound be, and hereby is
allow'd to be paid to the several Collectors of Taxes within this
Town for the j'ear ensuing They giving Bond, with sufficient
Suretj-s, for the faithful Discharge of their Office, to the Satisfac-
tion of the Select Men.
Upon a Motion made by "Mr. Henry Gibbs, at the Opening this
Meeting — That the Town would Consider of some Means to
prevent frauds in the Measure of Cord AYood
Voted, That there be a Committee Chosen, Specially to Con-
sider this Motion the Causes from whence the Complaint,
Arises And "What Method may be taken to prevent the abuses
complain'd of — And to Report thereon to the Town, as soon as
may be.
Voted, That the Committee consist of Five Persons.
Voted, That Mess". Jeremiah Green
Eobert Rand.
John Barrel
Thomas Jackson Jun''. Distiller
William Torrey
be a Committee for the Ends aforesaid.
Upon a Motion made and Seconded
Voted, That it be Recommended to the Gentlemen the Repre-
sentatives of this Town, to Endeavor (at the next Session of the
Great and General Court) to bring forward, and procure a Bill to
be Pass'd for the more [411.] Just Admeasurement of Grain.
Voted, Tliat tlie Committee appointed to Audit the Town Treas-
urers Accounts the 3'ear ensuing, be also a Committee to Examin
the Overseers Accounts relating to the Work House, And to Report
thereon.
Mr. Edward Bromfield, from the Overseers of the Poor, pro-
posal an Alteration to be made in the By-Laws for regulating the
Work House, which they had found necessary Viz'. To alter
the time of their Monthlj' Meeting, from the Third Tuesday-, to the
first Wednesday in every Month. Accordingly
252 City Document No. 66.
The Question being put, Whether the said Alteration shall be
made in the By-Laws for regulating the Work House ?
It Pass'd in the Affirmative.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourn'd to Tuesday the Eighth
Day of April next, at Three O'Clock After-Noon.
Tuesday, April, 8th. 1740.
The Town being Assembled according to Adjournment.
Mess". Stephen Winter Sworn "^ p
Jabez Hatch, Excus'd ( hi "
Samuel Sprague Belongs to an Engine. )
were chosen Constables
Mr. Josiah Waters, was Chosen Constable. Sworn.
Mess". Ephraim Wheeler, Sworn ]
Nathanael Thayer, >■ Clerks of the Market
Ebenezer Messenger, Sworn. )
were Chosen Clerks of the Market.
Mr. Moses Eayres was Chosen One of the Fence Viewers.
[413.] The Report of the Select Men on the Petition of Mr.
William Salter, Keeper of the Powder House Presented, — — Read,
as follows, viz'.
To the Inhabitants of Boston, in Town Meeting Assembled,
the 8th. of April, 1740.
Pursuant to a Vote of the Town upon the Petition of Mr. Wil-
liam Salter, Keeper of the Powder House Praying for some
Allowance to be made him for his Care of the Towns Stock of
Powder there
We the Subscribers, to whom the Consideration of said Petition
was referr'd having had Discourse with the Petitioner and con-
sidered his Service Are of Opinion, that it is adviseable to
Allow the Petitioner the Sum of Twelve Pounds in full for his said
Service, for the time past.
All which is Submitted, &c.
By, John Jeffries ^
Caleb Lyman ! Select
Jonas Clarke | Men.
MlDDLECOTT CoOKE j
Voted, That this Report be Accepted.
The Report of the Select Men, on the Petition of Sundry In-
habitants, for the Paving of Love Street Read, as follows.
Viz'.
To the Inhabitants of Boston, in Town Meeting Assembled,
the 8th. April, 1740.
Pursuant to the Vote of the Town, on the Petition of Sundry
Inhabitants for Paving Love Street
We the Subscribers, to whom the same was referr'd Are of
Opinion, That the Paving of it is necessary Otherwise the Town
must be at a Great Charge in Gravelling and Repairing the same :
That the whole Contains near Six Hundred and Ninety Square
yards [413.] That, if the Abutters will Engage and Oblige them-
selves to Pay two Third parts of the Cost of Paving said Street,
that it may be Adviseable for the Town to pay the other third.
Boston Town Eecoeds, 1740. 253
All Tvhich is Submitted
B}', John Jeffries "]
Caleb Lyman I
Jonas Clarke [ Select Men
MiDDLECOTT CoOKE J
Voted, Tiiat this Report be Accepted And that the Select
Men do accordingly take care for the Paving the Towns part
thereof Provided the Petitioners or Abutters, Or some of them,
become Obliged to the Select Men, to their Satisfaction, Jointly
and Severally for Defraying the other two third parts thereof
The said Work to be performed according to the Direction of the
Select Men.
The Select Mens Report on the Petition of Samuel Kneeland
Read, as follows, Vizt.
To the Inhabitants of Boston, in Town Meeting Assembled,
the 8tb. April, 1740.
Pursuant to the Vote of the Town, upon the Petition of Samuel
Kneeland
We the Subscribers have attended the Service Desired of Us •
Have seen Mr. Kneeland the Petitioner, and his Father who is
Suret}' for the Debt And are of Opinion,
That Sufficient Estate can be found to satisfy it ; And that this
Affair has been carried on with so much Obstinacy, on their part,
that they do not deserve the Compassion of the Town ; but, that
they ought by all lawful ways to be Compell'd to Discharge the
Debt.
All which is Submitted, &G.
By
John Jeffries ")
Caleb Lyman I Select Men.
Jonas Clarke {
MiDDLECOT Cooke J
[414.] [A Memorial of the said Kneeland presented this
Day, was, by leave of the Inhabitants, Read]
After some Debate,
The Question was pat, Viz*.
Whether the Report of the Select Men be Accepted ?
It Pass'd in the Negative. ' A.nd,
Upon a Motion made, and Seconded b}^ many —
The Question was put. Whether it be the Mind of the Town tbet
tlie Petitioner Samuel Kneeland, A Prisoner in his Majesty's Goal,
Upon the Suit of the Town Treasurer, be freely and fully Released
and Discharged from his said Debt due to the Town?
Voted, in the Affirmative — and that the said Kneeland be ac-
cordingly Released.
Mr. Stephen Rogers was Chosen Constable. Sworn.
Samuel Adams Esq^ from the Committee appointed to Enquire
into the Towns Rights on and about Fort Hill, and on the Petition
of Messieurs Andrew and Peter Oliver, Reported thereon — Which
was Read, and is as follows, Viz'.
Pin-suant, to the aforewritten Votes — We the Subscribers have
been upon, and carefully Viewed the Battery Ground at the foot
254 City Document No. 66.
of Fort Hill so called, And find that the Southeast end thereof is
greatly Encroached upon and encurabred with Buildings, Wharves
Timber and Lumber where the Guns of the Battery now lye, and
M^iere the Guns were formerl_y Planted for the Defence and Safet}'
of this Town and the Inhabitants thereof — And tliat the Northerly
pari of the said Battery Ground is also Incroached upon and in-
cumbred by Ship Timber and Plank lying there. And upon a
Careful Survey of the Land upon and around the said Hill, We
find Several Encroachments made by Inclosures on the Northerly
Side thereof. Which was, Time out of [415.] Mind, Enjoyed and
laid Open for the Towns use, and that the said Inclosures on the
Hill have been made within Twenty Years past, or thereabouts,
And also that the Towns Land Reserved on the Easterly side of
the Hill for the Townse, is Inclosed and Fenced in. All
which Encroachments are a Great wrong and Injury to this Town.
And We are of Opinion, That the Town has a Right to Seventy
five feet of the Sea-wall or Wharf before the Town, Adjoining
to the Battery Ground.
And We are also of Opinion, that, for the Town to Lease out
the Land upon and around the said Hill, as is propos'd by Mess".
Olivers Petition, would be Stripping of the Town and the Inhabi-
tants thereof, of One of the most Valuable Accommodations they
now have ; Nature having so framed the said Hill, that from it
You have many fair Prospects, and the health of the Inhabitants
refresh'd by a fine Air from thence in their Walking and Disporting ;
And that the same is very Convenient for Military Musters when
it shall be found Necessar}'.
And We are Unanimousl}^ of Opinion, That it would be very
prejudicial and Injurious to the Town and Inhabitants thereof to
Make a Lease or Leases, as is proposed : And, That it highly
Concerns the Town Speedily to Remove all the Encroachments
made on the Batter}' Ground, and Fort Hill aforesaid.
All which is Humbly Submitted b}'
Samuel Adams "^
Jos. Marion |
Apr. 8. 1740. Robert Rand y Committee
Shem Drowne I
JoN"*^. Williams J
Voted, That this Report be Accepted. And
Upon that part of the said Report which respects the Battery
Ground, particularly.
[416.] Voted, That a Committee be Chosen and appointed to
Wait upon the Captain General, Requesting His Excellency, if he
please, to give His Orders for the Removal ot such Encumbrances
as are lying on the Battery Ground near Fort Hill ; that so the
Great Artillery and Warlike Stores may be preserved, and put into
a proper Condition for immediate Service, when Occasion shall
call for it.
Voted, That the Select Men be the Committee to Wait upon the
Captain General as aforesaid.
Voted, That the Gentlemen of the Committee to Enquire into
the Towns Rights On and about Fort Hill, Viz'. Samuel Adams
Boston Town Eecoeds, 1740. 255
Esq". Mr. Joseph Marion, Mr. Robert Rand, Mr. Shem Drowne,
and Mr. Jonathan •^Yilliams be Joined with the Select Men, in
Waiting upon the Captain General.
Upon that part of the said Report respecting Other af the
Towns Rights on and about Fort Hill.
Voted, That a Committee be Chosen and Impowred to Eject off,
and Prosecute in the Law, to Effect, Such Person or Persons as
sliall be found Trespassers, and have made Encroachments on the
Towns Right in the Lands on and about Fort Hill.
Voted, That the Select Men be a Committee for that End • —
And the Gentlemen the Committee for Enquiring into the Towns
Rights on and about Fort Hill are hereby Desired to give the
Select Men, All the Light they can in the Affair.
Mr. Jeremy Green from the Committee appointed to Consider
of some Method to prevent Frauds in the Measure of Cord wood,
presented their Report, as follows, Viz*.
In Pursuance to a Vote of the Town of [417.] Boston, di-
rected to Us the Subscribers, a Committee to consider the Causes,
and methods that may be taken to prevent the abuses and frauds,
in the Measure of Cord-Wood — Having duly considered the same,
Do Report thereon, as folio weth. Viz.
1. That the Cord- Wood of this Town is cut too short, and es-
pecially the largest part of the Wood.
2. Tliat the Cord-Wood of the Town is not close Stowed, and
laid together when Corded, as the Law expressly directs it should
be ; B}' Means wl^ereof the Buyer is greatly Injured, for want of
his Measure.
To Prevent which
That there be a Sufficient Number of Sealers or Measurers of
Cord-Wood, approved off by the Select Men, and under Oath, to
Prosecute all such Person and Persons whatsoever, as shall presume
or attempt to cart or carry away an}' Cord-Wood from an}' Wharf,
before he has duly Corded, and Sealed the same.
That Such Persons, who shall be so appointed by the Select
Men, be Inhabiters near unto such Wharves, As they shall be
Obliged to attend ; And but One Person to be Stationed to One
Wharf, Except where two or more Wharves lye Adjoining and
Contiguous.
That the Select Men furnish Such Sealers or Measurers with a
Table, directing them that where any Cord- Wood be wanting in
length, the same be made up in heighth, proportionably.
And Further, That Each Sealer or Measurer Shall have Four
Pence p Cord allowed them, As an Encouragement, and in full
Satisfaction for the faithful Discharge of their Duty in the Matters
aforesaid.
All Which is Submitted,
Jeremy Green
Robert Rand
John Darrell
Thomas Jackson Jdn^.
William Torrey.
Voted, That this Report be Accepted, And, [418.] That the
256 CiTT Document No. 66.
Select Men be Desired to Act in conformity thereto, in Appoint-
ing a Sufficient Number of Prudent and Discreet Persons fur
Sealers of Cord-Wood, to be nnder Oath for the faithful Discharge
of their Trust, And that they would Assign to Each of said Sealers
their distinct and proper Stations : And also, that meet Persons
may be Encouraged to Undertake the Business, the Select Men
are Desired to raise their allowance to Four pence p Cord.
The Report of the Select Men, relating to the Disposition of the
Moneys arising from the Sale of Three Tracts of Lands, Granted
by the General Court, Read, again. And is as follows. Viz*.
Boston 10. March, 1739.
"We the Subscribers, Select Men of the Town of Boston being
appointed by said Town A Committee to Consider How, and to
what Use the Money arising from the Sale of the Three Tracts of
Land Granted to the Town by the General Court may be applied
most for our benefit Are of Opinion; That, considering the
present Circumstances of the Province, the said Money cannot be
disposed of for a better or more necessary purpose than the Re-
pairing Our North and South Batterys, or Raising such other
VVorIvS of Fortification as the Town shall Judge necessary
Hoping, tliat as this is the principal Frontier of the Province,
And the Fortifying the same must be of Public and Universal
Benefit that therefore, in convenient Time the Town will
be reimbursed any Sum or Sums they shall Expend for that
Service.
Which is Humbly Submitted, by.
Jonathan Armitage")
Caleb Lyman |
Alexander Forsyth ! Select
Jonas Clarke j Men.
Tho. Hutchinson J
[419.] Voted, That the Consideration of this Report, as also,
the State of the North and South Batterys, be further referr'd to
the next General Town Meeting.
Then the Meeting was Dismiss'd.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly Qualified, and lawfully Warned, in Town
Meeting Assembled, on Wednesday the Seventh of May, 1740.
Prayer was made by the Rev. Mr. Samuel Mather.
The Precept, and Warrant for calling the Meeting, Read
Sundry Laws, Read
The Hon. John Jeff'ries Esq^ One of the Select Men, in their
Name, Propos'd to the Inhabitants Assembled, to proceed to the
Choice of a Person or Persons to serve for, and Represent them,
in a Great and General Court or Assembly to be Held at Boston,
the 28th. of May current And in Order thereto, to Consider
and Ascertain the Number of Gentlemen so to be Elected.
Accordingly
Voted, To Proceed to the Choice of Four Representatives.
The Votes being collected, the Number of Voters was found to
be, Four Hundred and Eighteen.
Boston Town Eecords, 1740. 257
And Upon sorting the Votes, it Appear'd there were Three Gen-
tlemen Chosen by the Major part of the Votes Viz'.
No. of Votes.
Mr. Thomas Gushing Jun' 408
Mr. Edward Bromfield . . . . . . 371
Mr. James Allen 213
Upon a Motion made, and Seconded, for proceeding to the
Choice of One Representative 'The Question was put, Viz'.
Whether the Town would immediately proceed to the said Choice.
[420.] It Passed in the Negative.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourn'd to the Afternoon, at
Three O'Clock.
Afternoon, The Inhabitants being again Assembled, They pro-
ceeded to the Choice of One Representative.
The Votes being accordingly Collected, the Number of Voters
were found to be Five Hundred and Seven.
Upon Sorting the Votes, It appear'd that
Mr. Thomas Hutchinson was Chosen by a Major part of the
Votes. Number of Votes, 273.
The Election of Representatives being ended, and the same
Declared by the Select Men, The Town proceeded to the
Choice of a Moderator, b}' a Hand Vote. Accordingly,
Mr. Thomas Cushing Jun''. was Chosen Moderator of this Meet-
ing.
Sundry Petitions Read,
Viz'.
Of Sundr3' Inhabitants for leave to enclose with a Fence, a
small part of the Top of Fort Hill, for a Bowling Green.
Of Mr. Samuel Floyd, Collector of Taxes in Rumney
Marsh, in the j^ear 1738, late within the Township of Boston.
Of Mr. Zachariah Hicks, Usher of the North Writing School,
for Enlarging his Salary.
Of Sundr3' Inhabitants, for Placing a Fire Engine at the
Westerly part of Boston.
Of Mess". Jacob Sheafe and John Goldthwait, Collectors of
Taxes, for the Year 1739.
Mr. Isaac Winslow was Chosen One of the Clerks of the Market
for the Year ensuing. Excus'd.
[431.] Mr. William Cowel was Chosen to Serve as A Clerk
of the Market Sworn.
Voted, A Grant of Eight Thousand Six Hundred Pounds, to be
raised by a Tax upon Polls, and Estates within the Town of Boston,
for Relief of the Poor, and Defraying other necessary Charges
arising within and for said Town the Year ensuing.
A Petition of Sundry Inhabitants for Leave to Enclose with a
Fence, a small part of the Top of Fort Hill, for a Bowling Green
Read,
And after some Debate thereon,
The Question was put. Whether it be the mind of the Town,
that any part of Fort Hill should be Leased out to the Petitioners,
for a Bowling Green, Upon the Terms in the Petition proposed?
It Pass'd in the Negative.
The Petition of Mr. Samuel Floyd Collector of the Taxes in the
258 City Document No. 66.
District of Rumney Marsh, in the year 1738. Praying that the
Assessors may be Inipowered to make Abatement of the Taxes of
Sundry Persons named in his said Petition, amounting to the Sum
of Nine Pounds, Nine Shillings and On3 Penny, for Reasons men-
tioned, Read
Voted, That the Prayer of the Petitioner be so far Granted, As
that the Assessors be, and hereby are Impowered to make such
Abatements to the Petitioner, as they shall Judge Just and rea-
sonable.
A Petition of Sundry Inhabitants, for Placing A Fire Engine at
the Westerly part of Boston, for Reasons therein mentioned ^— —
Read.
After some Debate thereon,
The Question was put. Whether the Consideration of this Peti-
tion shall be Referr'd to a Committee?
It Pass'd in the Affirmative.
Voted, That the Select Men be a Committee for this [433.]
End, Who are Desired to Act and do thereon, as they shall think
most for the Interest of the Town.
The Petition of Mr. Zachariah Hicks, Usher of the North Writing
School, Praying for some Addition to his Salary, for Reasons
mentioned, Read.
After some Debate the Question was put,
Whether any Addition should be made to Mr. Hicks's Salary in
answer to his Petition.
It pass'd in the Negative.
A Petition of Mr. Jacob Sheafe and Others, Collectors of Taxes
for the year, 1739, Praying that the Assessors may be Allow'd to
sit upon Abatements until the last Day of October next for the
Reasons therein mentioned Read.
Voted, That the Pra5-er of the Petitioners be so far Granted, As
that the Assessors be, and hereby are allow'd and Impowered to
sit upon Abatements until the last Day of September next ensuing,
and no longer.
Then the Meeting was Dismiss'd.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston, duly Qualified and lawfully Warned, in Town
Meeting Assembled at the Town House, Monday, the 14th July,
A.D. 1740.
The Warrant for Calling the Meeting, Read.
Mr. Thomas Gushing Junior was Chosen Moderator Unani-
mously.
The Laws relating to the Qualifications of Voters in Town Affairs
Read.
The Petition of Sundry Inhabitants for Calling the Meeting
Read.
[433.] The Petition of John Hooker and Abia Holbrook, to
be admitted Grave Diggers Read.
A Motion was made by Mess". Jonathan Williams and Shem
Drowne, that the Affair of the Fortifications in this Town might
be brought under Consideration at this Meeting.
Boston Towt^ Records, 1740. 259
A Great Number of the Inhabitants being Assembled A Motion
was made and seconded by man}', And thereupon.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to the Pubhcli Meeting
House in Brattle Street, there to Meet forthwith And that
wiiatsoever Damage may happen to be done to the Pews, Seats &c.
by means thereof be repair'd at the charge of the Town.
The Inhabitants being Assembled at the Meeting House in
Brattle Street according to Adjournment,
The Laws respecting the Qualifications of Voters, Read again,
and a Debate had thereon.
A Petition of Sundry Inhabitants Read again and is as
follows. Viz'.
To the Honourable John Jeffries Esquire, and the other
Select Men of the Town of Boston.
Whereas in the Year 1734, the Freeholders and other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston (among other things) Voted and Ordered a
Place on the Town's Ground on the Town Dock, Called Dock
Square to be Assigned for a Market Place, and the Court of Gen-
eral Sessions of the Peace in April, 1734, Allowed and Approved
thereof, and a convenient Building was Erected on the said Ground,
which was Improved some time for a public Mnrket place, to the
Satisfaction of a great Number of the Inhabitants But so it
has hapned, that the said Building, for some Years past has been
[434.] Demolished and pulled down, and the Inhabitants of the
baid Town have had no certain Place for Buyer and Seller to meet
at, which forces People to go out upon the Neck, and spend a
great part of the Day in providing Necessarys for their Families,
to the great hinderance of Business, and Loss and Damage of the
Town.
And Whereas We are Informed that Peter Faneuil of Boston
Esquire hath been Generally pleased to Offer, at his Own proper
Cost and Charge, to Erect and Build a noble and compleat Struct-
ure or Edifice to be Improved for a Market, for the sole Use, Ben-
efit and advantage of tlie Town, Provided that the Town of Boston
would pass a Vote for that purpose, and lay the same under Such
proper Regulations as Shall be thought necessar}^, and constantly
hupport it for the said Use Which Generous Offer, We the
Subscribers thought proper to Communicate to You, Desiring that
a Town Meeting may be Warned to Assemble, as soon as may be,
to know the Mind of the Town, Whether the Inhabitants will
Accept of the said Building proposed? Which, As We conceive
will tend greatly to the Good and Benefit of the said Town. And
We the said Subscribers would Humbly propose, that Notwith-
standing the said Building should be Encouraged, and coine to
Effect, Yet that the Market People should be at Liberty to carry
their Marketing wheresoever they pleased about the Town, in
Order to dispose of the same.
Boston July 2"'i. 1740.
Signed, Thomas Palmkr
Edward Hutchinson
John Osborne, and
Others, to the Number of Three Hundred and Fort3\
260 City Document No. 66.
Upon a Motion made, and Seconded by man}',
Voted, That the Thanks of this Town be given to Peter Faneuil
Esqnive, for his Generous Offer.
[435.] Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned till the After-
noon, at Three O'Clock.
Afternoon, The Inhabitants Assembled
After considerable Debate upon the Subject matter of the Peti-
tion of Sundry Inhabitants And the Proposal of Peter
Faneuil Esquire, for Erecting a Market, as therein mentioned
A Motion was made and Seconded by many. And accord-
ingly,
The Question was put, Viz'. Whether the Town will now pro-
ceed to Determine by a Vote — Whether they will Accept the Offer
or Proposal of Peter Faneuil Esquire, of Erecting a Market House
in Dock Square, at his own cost and charge. Agreeable to the Pe-
tition presented, and Read in the Morning?
It Pass'd in the Affirmative.
Upon a Motion made and Seconded,
A Question was put. Viz'. Whether Every Person Offering his
Vote in this Affair should write his Name thereon?
It Pass'd in the Negative.
Then the Inhabitants were Desired to prepare their Votes in
writing, either Yea or Na}' ; and to bring and Offer them at One
of the Doors of the House And the Assessors were directed
to attend there with their Lists of Valuation of Estates and Facultys,
that so None might be allow'd to Vote in the Affair, Excepting
such as were Qualified according to Law And it was also
Declared, That it is determined by the present Meeting, to be the
Sense of the Law, That No Person is Qualified to Vote in Town
Atfairs, but such as were Rated in the last Tax Two Shillings and
One penny New Tenor, Or Six Shillings and three pence Old
Tenor, to the Province Tax, for his Personal Estate and Faculty',
including Rents if they be his Own.
[436,] The Votes being Accordingly Collected it Appear'd,
the Number of Voters was ...... 727.
Upon sorting the Votes, and Numbering them. It was found, the
Number of Yea's were ...... 367.
and the Number of Nay's were ..... 3fi0.
Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereby are Desired to wait
upon Peter Faneuil Esquire, and to Present the Thanks of this Town
to Him, As Voted in the Forenoon : And also to Acquaint Him, that
the Town have, by their Vote, come to a Resolution to Accept of
his Generous Offer of Erecting a Market House on Dock Square,
according to his Proposal.
Voted, That the Other Affairs lying before this Meeting, be
referr'd for Consideration, to the next General Town Meeting.
Then the Meeting was Dismiss'd.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston, duly Qualified and lawfully Warned, in Town
Meeting Assembled, at the Town House, On Tuesday the 25th. of
November, 1740.
Boston Town Kecords, 1740. 261
Prayer being made b}- the Reverend Mr. Mather Bj^les,
A Precept under the Hand and Seal of the Honourable John
QuincY Esquire, Speaker of the Honourable House of Representa-
tives, Directed to the Select Men, Requiring tliem to Assemble the
Freeholders and Other Inhabitants, to make Choice of, and Depute
(if they See cause) A Person to serve for, and Represent them in
the Great and General Court or Assembly, now convened, held,
and kept at the Court House in Boston, for his Majest^-'s Service ;
In the Room of Thomas Hutchinson [437.] Esquire, who is
Sail'd for Great Britain ; Together with the Warrant for Calling
the Meeting, Read.
The Question was put. Viz'. Whether the Town would proceed
to the Choice of a Person to Serve for and Represent them in the
Great and General Court or Assembly now sitting, in the Room of
Thomas Hutchinson Esquire?
It Passed in the Affirmative.
Then the Laws respecting the Power of the Select Men to give
Directions for the regular and orderly carrying on the Meetings for
the Choice of Representatives, as also the JParagraph in the Charter
respecting the same were Read.
It was then propos'd to the Town, as follows, Viz'.
That if any Person or Persons Offering their Vote in the present
Election should happen to be Objected to, as unqualified therefor
He or they should have Liberty, after the Votes are Collected,
to make good his or their Claim to that Privilege According
to Law.
The Town proceeded accordingly to bring in their Votes for One
Representative which being collected and Number'd
the Number of Voters was found to be Four Hundred and
Fourteen.
Upon sorting the Votes, it appear'd that Mr. Timothy Prout was
Chosen, b}' a Majority of Votes. Viz'. Two Hundred and Thirty
four Votes.
Then the Meeting was Dismiss'd.
[428.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston, dul}' Qualified, and lawfully Warned,
in Publick Town Meeting Assembled at the Town House, on Mon-
day the Ninih of March, A.D. 1740.
Prayer being made by the Reverend Mr. Mather Byles.
The Warrant for calling the Meeting Read.
The Town then proceeded to the Choice of a Moderator, and
the Votes being Accordingly Collected, it Appear'd that Mr.
Thomas Cushing, was Chosen by a Majority of Votes.
Sundry Laws, Read.
Samuel Gerrish was Chosen Town Clerk for the year ensuing,
nid Sworn.
It being represented to the Town that the said Samuel Gerrish
is detained by Indisposition ;
Voted, That Samuel Gerrish Jun^ Officiate as Town Clerk p'O
Tempore, who was Accordingl}' Sworn.
Sundry Petitions, Reports and Motions Viz'.
262 CiTT Document No. 66.
A Petition of Mr. John Staniford, relating to the Building a
Bridge over Charles River Read.
A Petition of Sundry Inhabitants, relatmg to Shooting Pidgeons
Read.
A Petition of the Masters of the Fire Engines Read.
A Petition of Mr. Edward Gvay, and others, about Bartons
Rope Walk Read.
A Petition of Mess". John Morey and John Walley, Coroners,
for Allowance for past Services Read.
A Petition of Mr. Zechariah Hicks, for Addition to liis Salary
as Usher of the North Writing School. Read.
A Petition of Thomas Moulin &c. Grave Diggers Read.
A Petition of John Hooker &c. to be Admitted Grave Diggers
Read.
A Report of the Select Men on the Visitation of the Publick
Schools Read.
A Motion made by the Select Men, for impowering them,
[4^9.] Or their Successors to Lease out the Towns Land near
the North Battery, and on the Neck ; a former Vote of this Town
for giving Twelve Months Notice thereof, Notwithstanding.
Mr. Jonathan Williams made a Motion relating to the Incon-
venience of Ice and Snow, lying in the Streets of Boston in the
Winter Season, whereby the passing and repassing is render'd
dangerous.
Capt. Nathanael Cunningham made a Motion about Paying the
Representatives out of the Town Treasury.
Mr. Jeremiah Belknap made a Motion that the Granary should
be kept Open, four Days in a Week.
Mr. Jonathan Williams made a Motion, that a Plan be taken of
the Town Lands on or near Fort hill, and the Town Rights in
general, and lodg'd in the Town Clerk's Office.
Mr. Shem Drowne made a Motion,, respecting the Repairing the
Batterys of the Town and enquiring into the State of tlie Guns.
Major John Hill made a Motion, that ihe Town would take into
Consideration, some Method for the more effectual just admeasure-
ment of Cord Wood.
Mr. William Greenleaf made a Motion, that the Fire Wards be
excus'd from other Dntys.
Then the Town proceeded to the Choice of Officers &c.
Voted, to proceed to the Choice of Seven Select Men,
The Votes being Accordingly Collected and Sorted, it Appear'd
that the following Gentlemen were Chosen to that Office for the
Year ensuing. Viz'.
The Honourable John Jeffries Esq"".
Capt. Alexander Forsyth.
- Caleb Lj-man Esq"".
Jonas Clarke Esq'. } Select-Men.
Mr. Thomas Hancock
Mr. Middlecott Cooke
Capt. John Steel
Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourn'd to Three O'Clock, this
Afternoon.
Boston Town Eecords, 1740-41.
263
>■ Overseers of Poor.
[430.] Afternoon, the Town being Assembled.
The following Gentlemen were Chosen Overseers of the Poor,
for the year ensuing, Viz'.
The Hon. Jacob Wendell Esq^ '
William Tyler Esq'.
Capt. Jeffor}' Bedgood
Major John Hill
Thomas Hubbard Esq'.
Daniel Henchman Esq'.
Joshua Cheever Esq'.
Mr. Edward Bromfield
Capt. William Dowue
Mr. Samuel Hunt
Andrew Oliver Esq'.
Mr. Isaac White
Voted, to Chuse Twelve Constables distinct from the Collectors
of Taxes. Accordingly
Mess''. Peter Cade Pay
Benjamin Green, (Merchant,) Pay
William Patten Belongs to the Life Guard
Samuel Allen, (Shopkeeper) Pay
George Ledain Excused
William Cowell Excus'd
Edward Tuttle Paid in, 1728
Henry Wethered Sworn
Francis Johonnot Excus'd
John Barrell Pay
Thomas Speakman Excus'd
Thomas Lambert Excus'd
were Chosen Constables for the Year ensuing.
The Freeholders of the Town proceeded to bring in their Votes
for a Register of Deeds &c. for the County of Suffolk which being
Collected were, according to Law, Sealed up by Constable Andrew
Symmes by him to be kept, and returned to the next Quarter Ses-
sions to be held for the County of Suffolk.
[431,] Then the Town proceeded to bring in their Votes for
a County Treasurer which being Collected were, according to Law
Sealed up by Constable Andrew Symmes by him to be kept, a'nd
returned to the next Quarter Sessions to be held for the County of
Suffolk.
Excus'd
Sworn
Sworn
Excus'd
Paid in 1738
Constables.
)> Constables
Mess'\ John Dabney Jun'.
John Davis
John Tucker
Ephraim Wheeler
Caleb Richardson
James Clough Belongs to the Life Guard.
Sendall Williams Sworn
James Monk Pay
John Woodhouse Pay.
were Chosen Constables.
Voted, to come to the Choice of a Town Treasurer, To Morrow
at Eleven o'Clock in the forenoon.
264 City Document JSTo. 66.
The Motion made by Mr. Jonathan Williams at the Opening
this meeting, being bro't under Consideration — After a Debate
thereon,
Voted, that the Select Men be desired to prepare a Bj'-Law to
present to the next General Town Meeting, for Impowering the
Scavengers to Oblige the Inhabitants to remove the Ice and Snow
from before their Houses &c. whereby passing and repassing in
the Streets in the Winter, is many times Obstructed and rendered
dangerous.
Upon the Motion of tlie Select Men, as Entred at the Opening
this Meeting.
Voted, That the Select Men be desired and are hereby Impowered
to Lease out the Towns Land near the North Battery, and the
Marsh on the Neck, to such Persons, at such Rents, and for such
time as they shall think most for the Towns Interest and advan-
tage, not exceeding Seven Years ; the Town Vote and Order made
and passed the Thirteenth of March, 1732, to the Contrary hereof
Notwithstanding.
[4:32o] After a Debate on the Motion made by Mr. Jonathan
Williams at the beginning of the Meeting, respecting the Town
Rights, on and about Fort hill or Elsewhere, and making a Plan
thereof &c.
The Question was put. Whether the Town will now proceed to
the Choice of a Committee to enquire into the Town Rights on and
about Fort hill or elsewhere, and the Encroachments that have been
made upon them, and prepare a Plan of the same to be exhibited
to the next General Town Meeting, with the Names of such Per-
sons as have made any Encroachments thereon?
It passed in the Aflflrmative.
Voted, that the Number of this Committee be Five.
And that.
Mess". Hugh Vans ")
Samuel Adams Esq^ |
Shem Drowne )- Committee.
' Jonathan Williams
Joseph Marion J
be a Committee for the same purpose
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourn'dtill To-Morrow Morning,
at Nine o'Clock.
Tuesday, March, 10'*^. 1740.
The Town being Assembled, according to Adjournment.
The Report of the Select Men, on the Visitation of the
Publick Schools, being presented, was Read, and is as follows,
Viz'.
To the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of Boston in
Town Meeting Assembled, March, 9. 1740.
Pursuant to a Vote of the Town of Boston at their Annual
Meeting the ll''^. of March last past, Desiring the Select Men to
Visit the Several Publick Schools in the Town and to desire such
Gentlemen to Accompany them [433.] therein, as they shall
think proper, and to Report thereon.
1^
Men.
Boston Town Eecoeds, 1740-41. 265
We the Subscribers accordingly Attended that Service, on Mon-
day' the 23'^. of June last, Accompanied by the following Gentle-
men
Viz'.
The Hon. Adam Winthrop Esq''.
The Hon. Edward Hutchinson Esq^.
The Hon. Ezekiel Lewis Esq"".
The Hon. Samuel Welles Esq^
The Rev. Joseph Sewall D. D.
The Rev. Mr. William Welsteed
The Rev. Mr. Mather Byles
The Rev. Mr. Jeremiah Condy
Mr. Thomas Gushing
Mr. Edward Bromfield, and
Mr. James Allen.
and found the said Schools under a good Regulation, The Number
of Scholars in the said Schools being as follows, Viz'. In the
South Grammar School, Eighty five, In the North Grammar School,
Sixt}-, In the Writing School in Queen Street, Eighty three. In the
South Writing School, Fifty three in the North Writing School,
Two Hundred and Seventy.
John Jeffries ^
Alexander Forsyth |
Caleb Lyman ! Select-
JoNAS Clarke
Thomas Hancock
MiDDLECOTT CoOKE
Voted, That this Report be Accepted, And that the Gentlemen
the Select Men be desired to Visit the Publick Schools the Year
ensuing. And that they desire such Gentlemen to Accompany them
therein, as the}^ shall think convenient, and that the}' Report
thei-eon .
The Petition of James Read and others, the Masters of tlie Fire
Engines, in behalf of themselves and their Companys. Praying that
they may be Exempted from Serving in other Town [434:,]
Offices for the Year ensuing, And that the Premium which the
Town granted the last Year to the first Engine which should be
bro't to Work upon any Building on Fire, might be Continued, for
Reasons mentioned.
Voted, That the Prayer of the Petitioners be Granted.
Mess". Charles Dabney Excus'd
Alexander Young Sworn
Jonathan Lowder Sworn
John Ruddock Sworn
Andrew Johonnot Pay
Richard Gridley Sworn
were Chosen Constables.
The Motion made in the beginning of the Meeting by Mr. Wil-
liam Greenleaf, that the Fire Wards be excus'd from other Duty ;
being bro't under consideration.
The Question was put, Whether they shall be exempted from any
other Duty, on Account of their Service, as Fire Wards?
It passed in the Negative.
Constables.
266
City Document No. 66.
The Honourable Joseph Waclsworth Esq'", was Chosen Town
Treasurer for the Year ensuing, and Sworn.
Mess". Richard Buckley
Peter Thomas
Joshua Blanchard
William Salter J- Assessors.
Daniel Pecker
Nathanael Barber
Nathanael Gardner j Sworn,
were Chosen Assessors for the Year ensuing.
A Petition of Sundry Inhabitants, Setting forth the several In-
conveniences arising from the practice of Shooting at Pigeons,
from the Tops of Houses, within the Town. Read again
Whereupon it was Voted, That a Committee be [435.] Chosen
to prepare a By-Law to prevent the Inconvenience above mentioned,
and to insert therein a Clause also to prevent the Soldiers firing
Guns in the Streets, after they are dismiss'd from Trainings.
Voted, That this Committee Consist of Five Persons.
And
The Hon. Samuel Welles Esq''.
Samuel Sewall Esq"".
Mr. Edward Bromfield y Committee.
The Hon. Jacob Wendell Esq'".
Mr. Thomas Gushing
were Chosen a Committee for the same purpose, and desired to
report thereon as soon as may be.
A Petition of Mr. Edward Gray and others, respecting the High
Way laid out thro' Bartons Rope Walk Read again, and
Voted, That a Committee be Chosen to take the Subject Mattel
of this Petition into Consideration, to View the said High Way,
and Report to the Town what thej^ think proper to be done thereon
as soon as may be.
Voted, That the Select Men be a Committee for this purpose.
Mess". Onesiphorus Tileston Sworn "]
John Brocas
John Mellidge Sworn
Obadiah Cookson
were Chosen Hogreves, for the Year ensuing.
Mess". Joseph Russell
Caleb Ray Sworn
Thomas Foster
John Indicott J» Fence Viewers.
Hogreves.
Hopestill Foster
Benjamin Russell Sworn
John Adams
Sworn
were Chosen Fence Viewers.
[436.] Mess". Edward Moberly
Joseph White
William Paine
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
^ Viewers of
' Shingles &c.
Matthew Barnard
Sworn
Edward Richards
Sworn
Moses Eayres
Sworn ^
were Chosen Surveyors of Boards, Timber, Shingles &c.
Boston Town Records, 1740-41.
267
Cullers of Staves.
' Sealers of Leather.
Mess". John Helyer Sworn ")
Harvej' Thomas Sworn
Samuel Green Sworn
John Hobbs Sworn
Benjamin Sault Sworn J
were Chosen Cullers of Staves.
Voted, That the Select Men be Surveyors of High Waj^s.
Mess". Jeremiah Belknap ] t -c i, <- t-*
T3- 1 1 u 1 u i r Informers about Deer.
Richard Hubbard j
to Inform against and Prosecute the Violaters of the Act for the
better Preservation and Increase of Deer within this Province.
Mr. Isaac Gridley was Chosen Surveyor of Hemp. Sworn.
Mess". John Allen
Robert Williams Sworn
Thomas Inches
Nathanael Hodgdon Sworn
Samuel May Sworn
Benjamin Mason Sworn
were Chosen Sealers of Leather.
Mr. Richard-Carter Cowell, was Chosen Haward, for the Year
ensuing.
Mess". George Gerrish Sworn")
John Simpson (Retailer) Excus'd V Clerks of the Market.
John McNeal Sworn j
[437.1 Mess". Benjamin Walcutt Swoin ^
John Tyng
.John Wendell Jun\ Sworn
Harrison Gray Excus'd
Jeremiah Green
Edward Langdon Excus'd
were Chosen Clerks of the Market, for the Year ensuing.
Mess". John Collson ")
Samuel Hill
John Adams
Francis Righton
Jeremiah Belknap
Robert Patteshall
Andrew Halyburton
Thomas Boucher
James Cary
Ellis Wilson
John Bennett
Joseph Savell
were Chosen Scavengers.
Voted, That the Affair of Fortifications, with the Select Mens
Report, about Money arising by the Sale of Three Townships, and
of Methods for Supplying the Town with Fire Wood, and the
better admeasurement of the same, be bro't under Consideration
this Afternoon at Four O'clock ; And that the Affair of Fortifica-
tions be first Considered.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned till Three o'Clock io the
Afternoon.
Clerk of the
Market
' Scavengers.
268 City DocmiENT No. QQ.
Afternoon, The Town being Assembled.
Mess-. Anthony Sigourney Pay | Constables.
Thomas Goldthwait Fay )
were Chosen Constables.
The Select Men's Report of their Examination of Mr. [438.]
Francis Willoughby's Account of the Granary for the Year past,
And entred in Mr. Willonghby's Book, Read.
Voted, That the said Report be Accepted ; And that Mr. Wil-
loughby be accordingly further Accountable for Seven Hundred
and Eighty Seven Bushels of Indian Corn ; Thirty One Bushels of
R3-e, And the Sum of Five Hundred Forty One Pounds One Shil-
ling and Ten pence in Bills of Credit, the whole of which amounts
to Nine Hundred and Ten Pounds, Fourteen Shillings and Ten
pence, which remains in his hands, Exclusive of Mr. Willoughby's
Salary for the Year past, Viz'. One Hundred Pounds which is
hereby also Allowed
A Petition of John Hooker and Abia Holbrook, desiring to be
Admitted as Grave Diggers,* presented at the Town Meeting the
14. July last, and then refer'd for further Consideration
together with the Proposals and Petition of Thomas Moulin,
Isaac Peirce and John Chambers in Answer — thereto, Read,
and
Voted, That the Consideration of both the foregoing Petitions
be refer'd to the Select Men who are hereby Impowered to Appoint
such further Obligations, Restrictions and Regulations about the
Premisses as the}^ shall think Convenient.
Mess". John Smith Sworn | Constables.
William Taylor Paid j
were Chosen Constables.
A By-Law for preventing Danger by the Shooting at Pigeons
&c. within the Town of Boston &c. prepared by the Committee
Appointed for that purpose in the forenoon, was presented,
Read, and is as follows, Viz'.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston, duly Qualified, regularly Assembled in a
Publick Town Meeting at the Town house in Boston, on March,
10^ 1740.
Whereas many Complaints have been made for [439,] Divers
years past, that the Inhabitants and others in the Town of Boston,
have been greatly endangered both in their Persons and Estates,
by firing Guns at Pigeons and other Game, from the Streets,
Yards, Pastures or other Inclosures, or from the Commons or Hills
in this Town.
For Prevention whereof for the future.
It is Voted and Ordered, That every Person whosoever, that
shall hereafter Fire any Gun at Pigeons or other Game, from any
of the House Tops, Streets, Lanes, Alleys, Yards, Pastures. Gar-
dens or other Inclosures, or from the Commons or Hills in the
Town of Boston or any other place Northward of the Fortification
on the Neck, shall incur and forfeit the Penalty of Twenty Shil-
lings in Province Bills, for each time he shall so Fire or Shoot a
Gun, One Moiety to be to the Informer, and the other to the Poor
Boston Town Eecords, 1740-41. 269
of the Town, upon Conviction before anj^ Justice of the Peace in
the County of Suffolk.
And Whereas frequently on Training Days, after the Exercise
of such Days is finished, man}' Inconsiderate Persons in Sport and
Diversion Fire Guns to the danger or Terror and Affrightment
of many Persons.
It is further Voted and Ordered, That every Person who shall
fire a Gun on such Days after the Exercise is ended, and Soldiers
dismissed by the Officers, tho' loaden with Powder onh', shall incur
and be Subject to the Penalty of Twent}' Shillings to be disposed
of, as aforesaid, on Conviction before a Justice of the Peace as
aforesaid.
Tliis Order to remain and be in force till the Town shall Vote
the Repeal thereof.
The foregoing B^'-Law or Order being Considered and Ap-
proved
Ordered, That the Select Men present the said B3'-Law to the
next Court of General Sessions of the Peace for the County of
Suffolk for their Confirmation.
[4:40.] A Petition of John Morey and John Walley, Coroners
for some Allowance for Services done for the Town Read
again And Refer'd to the Select Men to do in the Affair as they
shall think proper.
The Select Men's Report relating to the Money, Arising from the
Sale of Three Townships granted by the General Court, presented
March, lO'''. 1739, and then refer'd for further Consideration
Read.
After a Considerable Debate on the Defenceless State of the
Town, and Methods to redress the same.
Voted, That a Committee be Appointed to Apply to the Several
Inhabitants for Subscriptions in Order to raise the Sum of about
Twenty Thousand Pounds to be Improved in putting the Town
into a proper Posture of Defence.
Voted, That the Gentlemen the Overseers of the Poor together
with the Collectors of Taxes, be a Committee for this purpose, and
be desired to proceed forthwith to take Subscriptions accordingly.
Voted, That there be a Committee Appointed to Consider in
what manner it raaj' be best to lay out such Moneys as shall be
raised in Fortifying and Defending the Town, and wait on the
Captain General to Acqunint him with the Steps the Town have
taken in this Affair — and Report thereon at the Adjournment of
tliis Meeting, And Accordinglv,
The Hon. Samuel Welles Esq^ ^
James Bowdoin Esq"^.
Mr. Shem Drowne
Mr. Owen Harris
Samuel Adams Esq"". y Committee.
John Fayerweather Esq''.
Mr. Jeffery Bedgood
Francis Wells Esq"".
Samuel Sewall Esq"".
were Chosen a Committee for the same purpose.
270 City Document No. 6G.
[441.] Mess" Richard Gooding Sworn ")
William Mcnzies Sworn V Constables
Nathanael Showers Pay )
were Chosen Constables.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned till Monday the 23^.
Instant, at Three o'Clock Afternoon.
Monday, March, 23-^. 1740.
The Town being Assembled according to Adjournment.
The Question was put, Whether the Town will Choose a Cora-
mUtee for Purchasing Grain &c. by a handy Vote?
It passed in the Affirmative,
and
Mess". Edward Jackson '\
John Salter y Committee
Jeremiah Helknap )
were Chosen a Committee for Purchasing Grain ; who are hereb}''
Impowered to give all Needful Directions to the Master of the
Granary, respecting the Quantities of Grain to be Sold, and Setting
the price thereof from time to time.
Mr. John Staniford's Petition relating to the Building a Bridge
over Charles River &c. Read, and
Voted, That it be refer'd for further Consideration at the next
General Town Meeting.
The Report of a Committee Appointed to Consider of the best
Methods for laying out the Monies, that may be raised by Sub-
scription in Fortifying the Town &c. being presented was Read.
Voted, That the Committee be desired to reduce His Excellency's
Message to the Town relating to Fortifications to Writing, and lay
It upon the Table.
The Committee appointed to take Subscriptions for raising
Mone^' to be laid out in Fortifying the Town Reported,
[44!3.] As follows. Viz'. That the Inhabitants in General declared
they would not Subscribe, until they knew the places where the
Fortifications are to be raised, and the Committee who are to lay
out the Money.
Mr. William Young was Chosen Constable. Pay.
Voted, That Twelve pence on the Pound be, and hereby is Al-
lowed to be paid to the Several Collectors of Taxes within this
Town for the Year ensuing They giving Bond with Sufficient
Suretys, for the faithful discharge of their Office, to the Satisfaction
of the Select Men.
Voted, That there be a Committee Appointed to View and Con-
sider the State of the Alms house and report at the next General
Meeting what Repairs and Additions may be proper to be made
thereto.
Voted, That the Overseers of the Poor, in Conjunction, with,
Mess". Jacob Parker ")
Joseph Russell >■ Committee.
David Collson )
be a Committee for this purpose.
Mr. Treasurer Wadsworth presenting an Estimate of what may
Boston To^vn Eecoeds, 1740-41. 271
be proper to be raised bj this Town, for Defraying the Charges of
the Current Year.
Voted, That the Granting of Money for Defraying the Charges
of the Current Year, be refer'd to the next General Town Meeting. .
Mess". Jacob Sheafe ")
John Staniford, Sworn >- Collectors of Taxes.
John Goldthwait )
were Chosen Collectors of Taxes for the Year ensuing.
Mr. Nicholas Lash was Chosen Constable. Pay.
[443.] The Committee's Report of the Captain General's
Answer to them relating to Fortifying the Town being pre-
sented, was Read, and is as follows, Viz'.
The Committee waited on His Excellency the Governour and
Captain General, and Acquainted His Excellency with the Town's
desires of Defending and Fortifying themselves, and particularly
that the Committee had been considering of Repairing the North
and South Battery, and of Stopping the Channel near the Castle,
which projections he seem'd not to dislike, but gave Us for Answer in
General, that he was very desirous the Town might be Fortified, and
that if the Town should raise an}' Money, he would take Care that
it should be laid out in the best places and in the best manner for
the Safet}' and Defence of the Town, and take the best Advice,
and did not doubt he should do it to the Town's Acceptance, But
that he insisted to Appoint the places for Fortifications, and the
Committee for laying out the Monej'.
Ill the Name & by Order of the Committee.
Boston March. 23. 1740/1. Samuel Welles.
The Committee's Report about Methods for laying out the Money
that ma}- be rais'd b}' Subsciiptions for Fortifying the Town
Read, and is as follows, Viz'.
The Committee Appointed by the Town at their Meeting, March,
9"^. instant, to wait on the Captain General and Consider in what
manner, with his leave, it may be best to lay out such Money as
shall be raised for Fortifying and Defending the Town, Are of
Opitiion,
That the Old part of the North Battery should be repaired, and
that an Addition should be made of Fifteen feet on the South East-
ern Side or Front of it, for the whole length, and at the North
Eastern End aliout Thirty feet Added of the Breadth of both the
Old and New Work, the Addition both to the length and Breadth
to be of Stone, up to the Platform and Breast-AVoik, which they
propose to l)e of Wood, the Breast Work of [444.] Square Pine
Timber, and the Platform of Oak Plank.
That the South Battery be Rebuilt and fitted to Receive Guns in
the former Line the whole Length of it.
That the House or Sconce by the South Battery be Repaired and
made fit to receive and keep the Needful Stores, The Cost of
these Reparations the Committee Apprehend vvill be Five Thousand
Pounds.
The Committee are further of Opinion, that it will be very much
for the Security and Defence of the Town, that it be render'd
Impracticable in Case of an Invasion, for any large Ship to come
272 City Document No. 66.
up the Channel, within about Three Miles of the Town, and that
the Committee might Report more Understandingly, they have
Measured the Breadth and Depth of the Channel between the upper
Middle Ground and Grovernours Island, and find it between a
Thousand and P^lcven Hundred feet, and at Nipt Tides about Six-
teen feet, deep on an average, except about Forty Feet which they
find of the Depth of Twenty five to Twenty Seven feet ; The Com-
mittee Propose that about Twenty Piers of Thirty feet Square each
and Sixteen feet high, be built and placed within Fifteen feet of
each other across the Channel, which will render it Impassable for
a large Ship, except about Two Hundred feet in the best of the
Channel, which may in a few hours be wholly Stop't by two or
or three large Hulks, prepared and lying ready for the purpose,
There is a place between the lower point of Governours Island and
the lower part of Castle Island, which would be preferable to this
if not too deep or broad (which some say is easier than this) but
the Committee have not had Opportunity to Measure it, the Charge
of this Stoppage, with large Allowance for loss and disappoint-
ment, the Committee have Computed at Fifteen Thousand Pounds.
In the Name and by Order of the Committee,
Boston March. 23. 1740/1 Samuel Welles.
The Question was put. Whether the Town will [445.] Further
pursue the Affair of raising Money, either by Subscriptions or
Taxes, in Order to put this Town into a proper Posture of Defence
in the Way and manner in which the Captain General insists it
shall be done?
It passed in the Negative.
Mr. Aftar Stoddard was Chosen Constable. Sworn.
Voted, That the Committee appointed the Ninth, Instant, to
Consider in what manner the Town may be best Fortified and
Defended, be and hereby are desired to r.epair below the Castle,
and Measure the Width and Depth of the Channel, between Castle
William and Governours Island, and prepare a Memorial to lay
before the General Court, Setting forth how much it will be for the
Security of the Province to Sink a Number of Hulks, in the said
Channel near Castle William ; And humbly to propose That inas-
much as the Supply of the Province Treasury is Attended with
difficulty, this Town will endeavour to Obtain from their Principal
Inhabitants a Loan of Money free of Interest, for that purpose, if
the General Court will please to Accept of the same, until the
Treasury can be Supply'd for their Reimbursement, And that the
Committee be desired to report thereon at the Adjournment of this
Meeting accordingly.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned till Monday the 30'''.
instant, at Ten o'Clock in the forenoon.
Monday, March. 30''^. 1741.
The Town being Assembled, according to Adjournment.
Mess- John Grant Sworn | ^^^^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^^^^^^^^
Ihomas Jackson j
were Chosen Clerks of the Market.
The Hon. Edward Hutchinson Esq"", from the Committee
Boston Town Records, 1740-41, 273
Appointed to Examin the Overseers Accounts relating to the Work-
house Presented their Report thereon, which was Read, and
is as follows. Viz'.
[44:6.] The Committee unto whom was referred the Auditing
the Accounts of the Overseers relating to the Workhouse, have
Attended that Service and upon Examination of their Books find
the Charge for Provisions Clothing &c. for the Persons in said
House for Nineteen Months past. Amounts to One Thousand Six
Hundred three Pounds Seven Shillings and One penu}', and the
Several Species purchased for Manufactory b\^ the Persons in said
House, Amounts to Six Hundred Twenty two Pounds Sixteen
Shillings and three pence also for Mr. Taylor the Keepers Salary
One Year and an half at One Hundred and fifty Pounds p Annum
is Two Hundred Twenty five Pounds Amounting in the whole to
Two Thousand Four Hundred Fifty One Pounds Three Shillings
and four pence.
We likewise find that the Species Manufactor'd and Sold
Amounts to One Thousand Three Hundred Eighty five Pounds
Eight Shillings and Seven pence ; Species Manufactored remain-
ing in the House Unsold Two Hundred Thirty four Pounds Thir-
teen Shillings and Six pence Debts, Outstanding for Manufactored
Goods Sold amounts to One Hundred Ninety Seven Pounds Six
ShilHngs and three pence, Provissions and Wood in said House and
not yet Expended Eighty Pounds making in the whole One Thou-
sandEight Hundred Ninety Seven Pounds Eight Shillings and four
pence.
By which it Appears the Neat Charge of the Workhouse for
Nineteen Months past is Five Hundred Fifty three Pounds Fifteen
Shillings Due on the Maintenance of said House, during which
Term taking One time with another. We find there has been
Upward of Forty People provided for, and that there is now in said
House Fifty-five Persons, Vizt. Ten Men, Thirty Eight AYomen
and Seven Cliildren, We also find that the Furniture of said House
Amounts to Two Hundred Twenty three Pounds Eight Shillings
and Six pence, that there has been laid out for Clapboarding the
Backside and other Repairs of the House Two Hundred Fifty four
Pounds Seventeen Shillings and Seven pence, and for Tools and
Utensils ILighteen Pounds, Twelve Shillings and Two pence, which,
three Several Sums Amounts to Four Hundred Ninety Six [44:7.]
Pounds Eighteen Shillings and three pence.
All which is referred to the Town for their Consideration.
Edward Hutchinson.
Boston March. 23^. 1740/ — Nathanael Balston.
J^. Wheelwright
CoRE^. Waldo.
Voted, That this Report be Accepted.
Voted, That the Overseers of the Poor be and hereby are desired
to proceed in the Usual way to take Care of tiie Affairs of the
Workhouse, and to draw on the Town Treasurer for what Money
may be needful in carrying on said Affairs.
Tlic lion. Samuel vVelles Esq^ from the Committee Appointed
the 9"'. instant to repair below the Castle, and to Measure the
274 City Document No. QQ.
Wedth and Depth of the Channel between Castle William and
Governoui-'s Island, Presented their Report, with a Plan of said
Channel ; And having also according to Order prepared a Memorial
and Petition to be presented to the General Court, laid the same
before the Town for tbeii' Approbation Read, which Report is
as follows, Vizt.
The Committee according to the direction of the Town at their
Meeting the 23'^. instant, repaired on Fr^yday the 27*. Currant, to
the Channel between Castle Island and the South Eastern point of
Governours Island and find it to be Fourteen Hnndred and Fifty
Seven feet Wide, and from Three to Four Fathom Deep, and tlie
very deepest in some places Twentj' Seven feet in Common Ni[)'t
Tides, And therefore about Twenty three or Twentj' four feet in
Common Spring Tides, The}^ have Computed tlie Charge of fixing
Piers of Thirty feet Square, made of Pine Timlier and Stone to be
Set Angling cross tlie Channel at Ten or Twelve feet distance,
with Hulks to fill up Three or Four Hundred feet, to be. left for
the Ordinary Navigation, at Eighteen Thousand Two Hundred
Pounds, That the Town may more readil}' Apprehend and Judge
of what is proposed, The Committee have prepared a [44:8.]
Plan which is herewith presented, They have also prepared a
Petition or Memorial to be laid before the Honourable General
Court, if the Town shall think proper.
In the Name and by Order of the Committee,
Boston March. 30. 1741. Samuel Welles.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned till Five o'Clock in the
Afternoon.
Afternoon, The Town being Assembled.
Mr. Zachariah Hicks, Usher of the North Writing School, his
Petition for raising his Salary — Read, and
The Question being put, Whether there shall be any Addition
made to Mr. Hicks's Salary?
It passed in the AfHimative.
Upon a Motion made,
Voted to refer the further Consideration of this Petition to the
next General Town Meeting : and in the mean time to Appoint a
Committee to enquire into the particular Circumstances relating
thereto, and of Mr. Procter's Perquisites, &c.
Voted, That the Select Men be a Committee for this purpose, who
are desired to Report thereon accordingl}'.
The Proposal made by the Select Men as inserted in the Warrant,
Vizt. To Consider of some proper Method for Supplying the Town
with Fire Wood, being Accordingly bro't under Consideration
After some Debate thereon.
Voted, That a Committee be Chosen and Appointed to Consider
of the most proper and easy Way of Purchasing a Quantit}^ of Cord
Wood, for the Service of the Town.
Voted, That the Motion made by Major Hill at the Opening of
this Meeting, relating to the just Admeasurement of Wood, be also
refer'd to the said Committee.
Boston To'svn Records, 1741. 275
Voted, That the Number of this Committee be Five, And
Mr. Isaac White ^
Samuel Adams Esq"^. j
Tliomas Hubbard Esq''. V Committee.
Mr. John Indicott, and
Mr. John Wheelwright
[449.] Were Chosen a Committee for the same purpose, who
are desired to Report thereon at the next General Town Meeting.
A Motion made by Capt. Nathanael Canningham, at the Opening
of this Meeting, about Pa3-ing the Representatives out of the Town
Treasury, being bro't under Consideration After some Debate
thereon,
It was Voted, That the Representatives of the Town be directed,
so often as any List for the Pa}' of the Honourable House of
Representatives shall be made up, to receive a Certificate from the
Clerk of the House, of their Attendance, and lodge the same with
the Town Treasurer, to whom only they shall Apply for their Pay,
and Provission shall be made for them there Accordingly.
The Memorial and Petition to the Great and General Court for
Liberty to Block up the Channel between Castle William and
Governour's Island &c. Read again — and is as follows, Vizt.
To His Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esq"". Captain General and
Governour in Chief, the Honom-aWe the Council, and House of
Rei)resentatives, in General Court Assembled, March. 26"^ 1741.
The Memorial and Petition of the Town of Boston, Humbly
Sheweth,
That they Apprehend, it would be a great Security to the
Province, especially to the Castle, if the Channel, below Castle
William, between Castle Island and the South Eastern point of
Governours Island was Stop't and made Unpassable for large Ships
unless for the breadth of Three or Four Hundred feet in the best
of the Channel as may be judged, would Sufficientl}' Accommodate
the Common and Necessary Navigation ; That the}' might be Able
to make a more clear and certain Representation of this Affair to
Your Excellency and Honours, the Town hath Appointed a Com-
mittee, who have [450.] Very Exactly Measured the Depth and
Breadth of the Channel at the place aforesaid, and find it to be
Fourteen Hundred and Fifty Seven feet Wide and that it is from
about Three to Four Fathom deep and the very deepest not more
than Twenty Seven feet at low water in Common Nip't Tides and
not above Twenty Three or Twenty Four feet at low water in Com-
mon Spring Tides, As may be more particularly seen b}' a Plan
herewitli humbl}' presented ; About Six Hundred feet on each Side
of the Channel, It is proposed should be Stop't by Piers made of
Timber and Stone Thirty feet Square and set Angling across the
Channel at about Ten or Twelve feet Distance and about Twenty One
or Twenty two feet high at a mean, till the whole Channel be Stop't,
Except about Three or Four Hundred feet as aforesaid in the midst
between tiie Flatts on the Side of Castle William and the Flatts
from the South Eastern Point of Goveinours Island, and tlie Three
or Four Hundred feet so left may be Stop't in a few hours, with
Hulks prepared and lying ready for that end,'Tlie Cliarge of this
276 City Document No. 66.
Undertaking has been Computed with large Allowance for losses
and Casualties which may happen, at Eighteen Thousand Two
Hundred Pounds, — Now May it Please Your Excellenc}' and
Honours, as the Treasury is not Supplied, and as there seem to be
Considerable Difficulties in the Way of it.
It is humbly Requested, That You would please to Direct this
Affair to be carried on if a Number of private Persons, will
Advance Sufficient to effect this Work and wait without Interest
till tbe Difficulties may be removed, and there shall be money in
the Province Treasury for their Reimbursement.
The Question being put. Whether the said Memorial and Peti-
tion shall be prefer'd to the General Court?
It passed in the Affirmative.
Voted, That the Select Men be desired to Sign and prefer the
said Memorial and Petition to tbe General Court accordingly.
[451.] Voted, That the Thanks of the Town, be returned to
the Gentlemen the Committee for Fortifications, for the Care and
Pains they have taken in that Affair.
Then the Meeting was Dismiss'd.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston, duly Qualified, and lawfuU}' Warned, in Town
Meeting Assembled, on Fryday, the 8'\ of May. 1741.
Prayer was made by tlie Rev. Mr. Ellis Gra}'.
The Precept, and Warrant for Calling the Meeting, Read.
Sundry Laws Read.
The Hon. John Jeffries Esq''. One of the Select Men, in their
Name, proposed to the Inhabitants Assembled, to proceed to the
Choice of a Person or Persons to Serve fur and Represent them in
the Great and General Court or Assembly to be held at Boston
the 27'^^. of May Current, And in Order thereto to Consider and
Ascertain the Number of Gentlemen to be Elected. Accord-
ingly
Voted, to proceed to the Choice of Four Representatives.
The Votes being Collected the Number of Voters were found to
be. Four Hundred, Ninety five. And Upon Sorting the Votes it
Appeared, That the following Gentlemen, were Chosen by a Major
part of the Votes.
Vizt. No. of Votes.
Mr. Tliomas Cushing 446
Mr. Timothy Prout 414
Mr. Edward Bromfield 431
Mr. James Allen 323.
The Election of Representatives being ended, and [453.] The
same declared by the Select Men.
The Town proceeded to the Choice of a Moderator by written
Votes r- which being Collected, it Appeared, that
Mr. Thomas Cushing was Chosen Moderator for this Meeting.
A Motion made by Thomas Hubbard Esq'', to remove the Fence
before the Alms house as far as the Work house.
A Motion made by Abiel Walle}^ Esq. that the Overseers of the
Poor be desir'd Vigourously to pursue the Steps of the Law,
Boston Town Kecords, 1741. 277
impowering them to put Poor Children out to Service,
The Question being put, Whether this Motion be Sustained?
It passed in the Negative.
A Motion made b^' the Select Men respecting the High Wa}',
between the South end of the Town, and the Fortiflcation,
which was given b}' the Town to cerlain Proprietors on
Condition, of their keeping the same in Repair, desiring
Directions from the Town how to proceed in that Affair.
A Motion made by Mr. Jeremiah Belknap that the Stock for
Purchasing Grain, should bo increas'd.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned till Three o'Clock,
Afternoon.
Afternoon, The Town being Assembled.
Sundry Petitions Read,
Vizt.
Of Joseph Ingraham, to be Continued One of the Cullers of
Staves.
Of Mess". John Stauiford and John Goldthwait, Collectors of
Taxes for the Year. 1740. tiiat the Assessors maj' be Allowed
to Set upon Abatements till the latter end of October next.
The Select Men presented a Draft of a By-Law [453.] To
Oblige the Inhabitants to remove or level the Ice or Suow lying in
the Streets in the Winter Season, whereby the passing and re-
passing is often Obstructed and rendered dangerous Read,
which is as follows, Vizt.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of Boston,
duly Qualified and lawfully Warned in Publick Town Meeting
Assembled, May 8*. A.D. 1741.
For keeping the Streets Lanes and High Wa3's, passable in the
Town of Boston in the Winter Season.
Whereas by reason of the Inhabitants in the Winter Season,
carrying the Snow out of their Yards, and laying it in heaps in
the High Way, and Neglecting to make Convenient Paths before
their Houses and Lands, renders the Passing in the Streets and
High Ways exceeding DifBcult to the Inbabitants, and to the
Countrey People in bringing Wood and Provisions to Market.
For Remedy whereof.
Voted, That the Scavingers for the time being, and such as shall
hereafter be Chosen thereto, Are hereby Authorized and Impow-
ered to Warn and Order all Persons within their respective Ward
or Wards, who are or shall be Occupiers of an}' Houses, Lands or
Tenements Abutting on any of the Streets and Lanes in the Town
of Boston, to keep clear a good and Sufficient Path before the
same, from Ice and vSnow ; and what Snow or Ice they throw or
carry into the High Waj-, that they Spread and Level the same to
the Ap[)robation of the Scavingers, And any Person or Persons
refusing or Neglecting to do the same. Six liours after Warning
given by the Scavingers shall forfeit and Pay the Sum of Fifteen
Sliillings for every Neglect, or Treble the Cost the Scavingers shall
be at, in getting the same done, the Fine to be for the Use of the
278 City Document No. QQ.
Poor of the Town, That the Evidence of any One Person
with the Scavinger shall be Sufficient to Convict any Person or
Persons of the Breach of this Order.
This Order to Continue in force until the Town see [454.]
Convenient to Order otherwise.
The foregoing Order or By-Law, having been Read.
Voted, That the same be Accepted, And that the Select Men be
and hereby are desired to present the same to the next General
Sessions of the Peace, for their Approbation.
The Report of the Committee Appointed to Consider of a proper
Method, of Supplying the Town with a Sufficient Quantity of Fire
Wood, and Admeasurement of the same, being presented,
Read, and is as follows. Vizt.
The Committee unto whom was refer'd the Consideration of the
most proper Method of Purchasing Wood for the Service of the
Town and of some Expedient whereby every Inhabitant may have
his just Admeasurement thereof, to Effect the same have been lead
into the following Opinion.
1''. That a Quantity of good Wood, not exceeding 400 Cord,
be bought with ready Money at the Cheapest Rate, and Landed at
each end and Middle of the Town (where it may be Landed with-
out much Cost for laying) for the better Accommodation of the
Inhabitants when their Absolute Necessity shall require the same.
2'^'y. Every Cart or Sled Usually' carrying Wood from off
Wharffs or other proper landing Places shall have a Suitable Num-
ber of Flat Stakes firmly fist in the Bod}' of the Cart or Sled up
riglit, which Stakes shall be Branded or have some other proper
Mark of Distinction at a highth and length that will Contain 2 foot
or ^ of a Cord of Wood well Stowed all length Ways, an other Mark
on said Stakes at a Higlith and Length that will Contain 4 foot or
^ Cord of Wood, and another mark at a Highth and Length that
wiir Contain Six foot or f*. of a Cord of Wood, wiiereby each
Inhabitant ma_y See at his own Door that he has the Quantity of
Wood he bought All which [455.] is humbly Submitted to
the Tovvns farther Consideration.
Boston May. 8"^. 1741. Isaac White
Samuel Adams
Thomas Hubbard
John Indicott
J°. Wheelwright
The Committee Appointed to View and Consider the State of the
Alms house and what Repairs and Additions may be proper to be
made thereto presented their Report which was Read,
and is as follows, Vizt.
Pursuant to the above Vote, We have Carefully Viewed the
Alms house, and find it Necessary that the following Repairs be
made, Vizt. All the Floors, Stairs, Doors, Windows, Window
frames and Cellar Doors be made new ; And We are also of Opin-
ion that 'lis necessary- to make an Additional Building of Ninety
feet long, and the same Wedth with the Old House to Accommo-
date the Poor.
Boston Town Kecords, 1741. 279
Isaac White Joshua Cheever Jacob Wendell
Jacob Parker Edward BaoMFiELD William Ttler
Joseph Russell William Downe John Hill
David Collson Samuel Hunt Thomas Hubbard
Andrew Oliver Daniel Henchman
Voted, That the Committee be desired to Cause the Necessar}''
Repairs of the Alms house to be effected, and that the Consider-
alion of the other part of the Report relating to an additional
Uuilding, be refer'd to the next General Town Meeting, and that
the Select Men be desir'd to Insert the same in the Warrant for
calling the said Meeting, as also the Granting Laud, whereon to
Erect the same.
The Committee Appointed to enquire into the Town Rights &c.
Reported, That they have not had opportunity to Accomplish
that Atfair so as full}' to make Report thereon at this Meeting,
npiin which the}' were desired to pursue the said Affair and Report
thereon at the next General Meeting, [456.] oi' as soon after
as may be.
INIr. Zachariah Hicks's Petition, for Addition to his Salary, as
Usher of the North Writing School, and the Select Men's Report
thereon, was Read, which Report is as follows, Vizt.
Pursuant to the above Vote of the Town, We Imve made enquiry
into the Circumstances of the North Writing School, which consists
of about Two Hundred and Eighty Scholars, A Master and Usher,
the Master has Two Hundred and Eighty Pounds p Annum, the
Usher One Hundred and Fifty Pounds We don't find that
any Children of the Town have been refused, that could Read in the
Psalter, nor any Demand of Entrance Money made of the Inhabi-
tants, but only from Strangers Children, of which there is now
about Ten in the School, and that for Firing some that are in low
Circumstances Pay Nothing, others as they think fit, so that One
with Another it Amounts to about Five Shillings a peice, the which
Perquisites the Master insists on as his right and without it, can't
Subsist in keeping the School having for some time paid an Assist-
ant One Hundred Pounds, p Annum, out of his Salary, So that
We are of Opinion that Nothing can be taken from the Master to
Add to the Usher, but as it's Necessar}' that some Addition be
made to the Usher, if the Town thinks, proper to Add Thirty
Pounds p Annum to his Salary, to begin the Twenty Eighth of
Ma}' Currant, it may do well.
All which is humbly Submitted,
John Jeffries
Caleb Lyman
Jonas Claeke , Select
Thomas Hancock ' Men.
Middlecott Cooke
John Steel
Voted, That there be an Addition of Thirty Pounds, [457.]
p Annum, made to Mr. Hicks's Salary to Common'-e from the
28"'. of May CUirrant, And that the Select Men be desired to insert
a Clause in the Warrant, for the next Meeting, for Erecting a
Writing School near the Center of the Town.
280 City Document No. 66.
Voted, That the raishig of Money for defraying the Charge of
the Current Year, be refer'd to the next Meeting, And that the
Town Treasurer be directed to prepare and exhiliit an Account of
the Money Outstanding in the hands of the Collectors of Taxes. —
Voted, to refer the other Atfairs that were to have been trans-
acted at this Meeting, to be bro't under Consideration at the next
Meeting.
Then the Meeting was Dismiss'd.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston, duly Qualified and lawfully Warned, in Publick
Town Meeting Assembled, on Fryda}' the 22*^. of May, 1741.
The Warrant under the Hands and Seal of William Dudley, and
Anthony Stoddard P2sq". Two of His Majesty's Justices of the
Peace for the County of Suffolk, Quorum Unus ; In Order to the
Choice of a Person to be Register of Deeds and Conveyances of
Land in the said County in the room of Mr. Samuel Gerrish De-
ceased. Read.
The Warrant for calling the Meeting Read.
The Town proceeded to the Choice of a Moderator by written
Votes which being Collected, it Appeared that Mr. Thomas
Gushing was Chosen by a great Majority of Votes.
A Petition of Mr. Isaac Gridley, that All the Extra Expences,
which Arose on his Servant Henry Nickerspn's having the Small
Pox, who was removed to the Westerly part of the Town, may
be Abated him by the Town. Read.
Sundry Laws Read.
[458.] A Motion made by Mr. John Darrell, that a Commit-
tee might be Appointed by the Town to wait on His Excellency the
Governour, desiring that some Measures may be taken to Protect
such Coasters as may be bringing Provission, Wood &c. from being
Impressed on board His Majesties Ships of War, lying in the
Harbour.
Ezekiel Goldthwait, was Chosen Town Clerk for the Year ensu-
ing, and was Sworn to the faithful Discharge of his Office by the
Hon. Anthony Stoddard Esq"".
The Freeholders of the Town proceeded to bring in their Votes
for a Register of Deeds &c. for the County of Suffolk, which being
Collected were according to Law Sealed up by Constable
Richard Gridley b}' him to be kept and returned to the Justices
that Issued out the Warrant, on Monday the 25*. Instant, accord-
ing to the Directions in the said Warrant.
The Affair of Erecting a Writing Schoolhouse in the Center of
the Town, came under Consideration, and the same being fully
debated. The Question was put. Whether the Town would ac-
cordingly Erect a Writing School in the Middle of the Town?
It passed in the Negative.
Upon a Motion made, the Question was put Whether the North
Writing School under the Care of Mr. John Procter be divided
into Two parts for the Conveniency of Children ?
It passed in the Negative.
Voted, That a Committee Consisting of Five Persons be Ap-
Boston Town Eecoeds, 1741. 281
pointed to Enquire into the Circumstances of the North Writing
School under the Care of Mr. John Procter, and report to the next
General Town Meeting what they think proper to be done relating
to the Division thereof, or in- what other Way the said School ma}'
be best Carried on and Supported,
Voted, That Abiel Walley Esq^
Mr. James Allen,
The Hon. Edward Hutchinson Esq'.
Daniel Henchman Esq"'.
Mr. John Staniford
[459.] be the Committee for that purpose.
The Report of the Committee Appointed the 9*. of March last
to View and Consider the State of the Almshouse and Report what
Additions and Repairs may be proper to be made thereto, was
Read, as Entred the 8"". instant And the same being fully
Considered and Debated was Accepted, and
Voted, That there be and hereby is Granted a Parcel of the
Common Land Adjoining to the Almshouse Bounded b}' a Line to
be Extended from the Southwest Corner of said House into the
Field about Ninet}' foot, and from thence Extending another line
Eastward bevelling with the Work house fence as now Erected.
Also Voted that there be a Brick Building in Addition to the
Almshouse Erected on said Land of Ninety feet long and the same
Wedth of the Old House to Accomodate the Poor, And that the
Overseers of the Poor be desired to take care that the same be
Etfected in the Cheapest manner.
Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to 3 oMUlock Afternoon.
Afternoon, the Town being Assembled.
A Petition of Mr. John Staniford, and others. Collectors of
Taxes for the Year, 1740, Praying that the Assessors may be Al-
lowed to Sit upon Abatements till the latter end of October next,
for the reasons therein mentioned Read.
Voted, That the Prayer of the Petition be Granted, And that the
Assessors be Allowed to Sit upon Abatements till the last Day of
October next, and no longer.
The Petition of Mr. John Staniford relating to the Building a
Bridge from Boston to Cambridge over Charles's River being Read
and Debated upon, in Answer thereto.
Voted, That when the Building a Bridge from Boston to Cam-
bridge shall be Undertaken, the Town will Carry on the Affairs so
far as to Build that part of the Bridge, which may be Convenient
to be Built on the Flatts from Boston Shore to Low water mark.
Provided that in Order to Enable them to Effect such part of the
Works the Town can Obtain from the Great and General Court
the Loan of a Sufficient Sum of [460.] Monej' upon reasonable
terms, And also ma}- be Entitled to their proportionable part of the
Incomes of said Bridge.
The Report of Mess". Isaac White and others a Committee
Api)Ointed to Consider of some proper Method lor supplying the
Town with Fire Wood, as Entred May, 8"^ instant, being read.
Voted, That the same be Accepted, and that the Sum of Seveo
282 City Document No. 66.
Hunrlred Pounds of the produce of the Three Townships be as soon
as may be drawn in by the Select Men, and delivered to,
Major John Hill.
Thomas Hubbard Esq'', and
Mr. John Wheelwright,
who are Appointed a Committee to Invest the same in Cord-
Wood at the most reasonable Rate to be laid in some Convenient
places at each end, and in the Middle of the Town, in Order to
Supply the Inhabitants as the Necessitys of the Season shall call for.
Voted, That the Select Men be desired to draw up and prepare
a B3'-Law relating to tlie Admeasurement of Wood, and Report of
the same at the next General Town Meeting.
A Petition of Joseph Ingraham, Praying that he may be a
Culler of Staves Read, and after some Debate thereon,
Voted, Tiiat the same be Dismissed.
Upon Reading the Petition of Isaac Gridley relating to Henr}''
Nickerson his Servant, who was ill of the Small Pox, and for the
Safety of the Town removed to the Westerly part thereof, Praying
that the Town would Order the Extra Expences as have arisen by
his Removal and other Charges more than it would have been,
provided he had been Cured and Attended upon in his own Family
may be Abated him, Voted, That the Select Men Abate him so
much as they shall think proper.
The Select Men's Report on the Petition of Mr. Edward Gray &
others, respecting the High Waylaid out thro' Bartons Rope Walk,
being presented was Read, and is as follows, Vizt.
Persuant to the above Vote of the Town, We have [461.]
Attended the Service therein desired, and Viewed the Land and
Discoursed with the Petitioners, And find that the Petitioners, &c.
have Purchased and laid out a Street of about Twenty One feet
Wide and about Fifteen Hundred feet long, extending from Sum-
mer Street to the Sconce for which they are Obliged to Pay One
Thousand Pounds (for what they Purchased) Eight Hundred and
Forty Pounds of which they have got by Subscriptions of, some of
the Abutters, others of them who receive a Benefit bj' said Way
not being Able or willing to Pay any thing thereto.
We Apprehend said Street is of great Advantage to the present
Abutters Estates, and to those that may hereafter Build there, and
as the Town have some Interest there, in a House provided for Poor
Children
We would therefore propose to the Town, upon the Petitioners
Compleating the Street from Summer Street to Sconce Street of
Twenty One feet Wide, and levelling a part of the Hill to the
Eastward of said Street to the Approbation of the Town, and
Convey over said Land to the Town for a Common High Way,
free from any Demand of the Proprietors, that then the Town
Allow to them, the Sum of One Hundred and Fiftj^ Pounds, and
Accept of it as a High Waj^
John Jeffries
Caleb Lyman
Jonas Clarke \- Select Men.
Thomas Hancock I
John Steel J
Boston Town Eecords, 1741. 283
Voted, That this Report be Accepted, and that upon the Peti-
tioners Compleating the Street from Summer Street to Sconce
Street of Twenty One feet, and levelling a part of the Hill to tlie
Eastward of said Street to the Approbation of the Select Men of
the Town and Conve}' over said Land to the Town for a Common
High AVay, free from any Demand of the Proprietors, that then
the Town Allow to them the Sum of One Hundred and Fifty
Pounds, and Accept of it as a High Wa}'.
Upon the Motion made b}- the Select Men relating to the High
Way by the Fortification, as entred the 8"". instant.
Voted that the Select Men be and hereby are desired and Im-
powered to bring forward any Suit or Suits in the Law for the
Recover}- and Possession of such of the Upland Beach Flatts and
Meadow Ground as Abutts on the High Ways on the Neck in this
Town, Unless the said High Ways shall be Speedily Secured
[46^.] From the Seas according to the Covenants made unto
Sundry Persons to whom said Upland Beach Flatts and Meadows
were granted by the Town the 3VK of January, 1708. —
The Report of a Committee Appointed to Audit the Town
Treasurers Acco'^ for the Year past, as Entred in the Treasurers
Book Read Accepted, and
Voted, That the Treasurer be (so far) accordingl}' Discharged.
Voted, That the Sum of Two Hundred Pounds be Allowed and
Paid to the Hon. Joseph Wadsworth Esq^ out of the Town Treas-
ury, for his good Service as Town Treasurer the Year past.
The following Gentlemen were Chosen a Committee for Auditing
the Town Treasurers Accounts, for the Year ensuing. Viz'.
Hugh Hall Esq".
Abiel Walley Esq''.
Joshua Winslow Esq^
Mr. James Allen
Mr. John Wheelwright
who are desired to Settle some proper Method for the Treasurer to
State his Accounts in, that so the Town may be always Acquainted
with the Ballance thereof.
Upon the Motion made by Mr. John Darrell at the Opening this
Meeting
Voted, That Hugh Hall Esq^
Abiel Walley Esq', and
The Hon. Jacob WendellEsq'.
be a Committee to wait on His Excellency the Governour desiiing
that some Measures may be taken to protect such Coasters as may
be bringing Provisions Wood &c. from being Impressed on board
His Majesties Ships of War, lying in the Harbour.
Voted, A Grant of Eleven Thousand Pounds to be raised by a
Tax upon Polls and Estates within the Town of Boston for Relief of
the Poor and defraying other Necessary Charges arising within
and for said Town the Year ensuing.
Then the Meeting was Dismissed.
[463.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston, duly Qualified and lawfully Warned in
284 City Document No. 6Q.
Town Meeting Assembled on Tuesday the Sixteenth Day of June,
A.D. 1741.
Prayer was made by the Rev^. Mr. William Cooper.
The Precept and Warrant for Calling the Meeting. Read.
Sundry Laws Read.
The Hon. John Jeffries Esq'. One of the Select Men in their
Name, Proposed to the Inhabitants Assembled to proceed to the
Choice of a Person or Persons to Serve tor and Represent them in
a Great and General Court or Assembly to be held at Boston the
Eighth Day of July next, And in Order thereto to Consider and
Ascertain the Number of Gentlemen to be Elected, Accord-
ingly,
Voted to proceed to the Choice of Four Representatives.
The Votes being Collected the Number of Voters were found to
be Two Hundred and Eighty And upon Sorting the Votes
it Appeared that the following Gentlemen were Chosen by a
Major part of the Votes, Vizt.
N°. of Votes.
Mr. Thomas Cashing 267
Mr. Timothy Prout 200
Mr. Edward Bromfield 262
Mr. James Allen ...... 153
The Election of Representatives being Ended, the same was De-
clared b}^ the Select Men, And,
Then the Meeting was Dismiss'd.
[464.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston duly Qualified and lawfully Warned in
Publick Town Meeting Assembled at the Town House on Monday
the Eighth Day of March, 1741.
Prayer being made by the Rev. Joseph Sewall D.D.
The Warrant for calling the Meeting Read.
The Inhabitants proceeded to the Choice of a Moderator, the
Votes being Collected, it Appeared that Mr. Thomas Gushing was
Unanimouslj' Chosen.
Sundry Laws, Read.
Ezekiel Goldthwait was Chosen Town Clerk for the Year ensuing
and Sworn into that Office by the Honourable Anthony Stoddard
Esq^
Sundrj', Petitions Reports and Motions.
Vizt.
A Petition of Mr. Samuel Wentworth, relating to his Building a
Warehouse fronting on Merchants Row.
A Petition of Mr. Tliomas Williston relating to his Publishing
the Banns of Matrimony at the Brick Church.
A Petition of Mess". Joseph Simpson and John Hooker relating
to their digging Graves in the Burial places in this Town.
A Petition of Sundry Inhabitants relating to the High Way at
the South End paving the same between the End of the present
Pavement and the Fortification.
A Petition of the Engine Men, to be Excused from other Service
in the Town and to have the Premium Continued.
Boston Town Eecoeds, 1741-42. 285
A Report of the Select Men on the Visitation of the Pnbliek
Schools.
A Motion made by Mr. William Torre}* that the Town would
Consider of making some further Provision for Educating the
Children in the Art of Writing in the Middle part of the Town.
A Motion made by Mr. Joseph Marion that a Committee be
Appointed to Wait upon His Excellency the Governour [465.]
To inform him of the Circumstances of the Fortifications in this
Town.
Mr. Jonathan Willis made the three following Motions Vizt. VK
Whether Nothing can be done to prevent so many Chimneys
being Fired to the great Surprize of the Neighbours and
danger of burning the Town. 2'^. Whether Nothing farther
can be done in Order to keep the Streets Cleaner than they were
the last Year.
3'^. Whether Nothing can be done to prevent the great Disturb-
ance Occasioned by Horses and Chaise in great Numbers Crouding
into Town and also out of Town till Nine, Ten, and sometimes
Eleven aClock at Night.
A Motion made by Capt. Nathaniel Cunningham that the Keeper
of the Granary be directed to Receive into the Granary an}- Quan-
tities of Grain as shall from time to time be Sent there for for
Charitable Uses and to be Delivered out again only by Way of
Charity according to the Direction of the Gentleman that shall put
in the same.
A Motion made by Capt. Nathaniel Cunningham that the Com-
mittee Appointed the last Year to provide Cord Wood for the Use
of the Town be desired to make Provission for the receiving such
Quantities of Wood as shall from time to time be Landed by any
Gentleman that shall give the same for Charitable Uses to be De-
livered out again by way of Charity according to the Direction of
the Person that shall Land and Give the same.
The Report of the Committee appointed to Enquire into the
Towns Rights on and about Fort hill Read.
Voted, That the Town proceed to take the same into Considera-
ation at Four oClock this Afternoon — Also
Voted, That the Town then proceed to the Choice of a County
Treasurer, and that, immediately before they take the said Report
into Consideration.
Voted, to proceed to the Choice of Seven Select Men.
The Votes being accordingly Collected and Sorted, it Appeared
that the following Gentlemen were Chosen to [466.] That Office'
for the Year ensuing, Vizt.
The Hon. John Jeffries Esq''.
Capt. Alexander Forsyth
Caleb Lyman Esq^
Jonas Clarke Esq''. }■ Select Men.
Mr. Thomas Hancock
Mr. Middlecott Cooke
Capt. John Steel
Voted to Choose Twelve Constables distinct from Collectors of
Taxes, accordingly.
286
City Document No. 66.
Mess". James Barton Exeus'd
James Griffin (Cordwainer) Sworn
Thomas Speakman
John Gibbs (Painter)
Newman Greenough
Cliarles Sigourney
John Box
Ebenezer Coburne
Nathaniel Martyn
James Minot
John Coverly
Henry Laughton
Under Age
Sworn
Pay
Sworn
Excused
Pay
Pay
Paid in 1737.
Sworn
Pay
>■ Constables
> Constables.
were Chosen Constables for the Year ensuing.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Three o'Clock in the
Afternoon.
Afternoon, The Town being Assembled.
Mess". Joseph Sherburne Pay
William Vassall Pay
William Bowdoin Paid in 1737.
Charles Sherman Pay
Joseph Edwards Pay
William Beers Excused
were Chosen Constables.
[467.] The following Gentlemen were Chosen Overseers of
the Poor for the Year ensuing, Vizt.
The Hon. Jacob Wendell Esq""
William Tyler Esq'.
Capt. Jeffery Bedgood
Mnjor John Hill
Thomas Hubbard Esq'.
Daniel Henchman Esq'.
Joshua Cheever Esq'.
Andrew Oliver Esq'.
Mr. Edward Bromfield
Capt. William Downe
Mr. Isaac White
Mr. Samuel Hunt
Then the Town proceeded to bring in their Votes for a County
Treasurer which being Collected were according to Law Sealed up
by Constable Charles Sigourne}^ by him to be kept and returned
to the next Quarter Sessions to be held for the County of Suffolk.
Then the Town according to their Vote in the Forenoon pro-
ceeded to take into Consideration the Report of the Committee ap-
pointed to Enquire into the Towns Rights on and about Forthill,
which Report is in the Words following, Vizt.
Pursuant to a Vote of the Town of Boston at a Meeting of the
Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the said Town on Monday
the Ninth of March, 1740. Appointing and Impowering us the
Subscribers a Committee to Enquire into the Town Rights on and
about Forthill &c. and making a Plan thereof We the Subscribers
have accordingly Attended the said Service been upon and Strictly
Overseers of the Poor.
Boston Town Eecords, 1741-42. 287
Viewed the Premisses and do according!}'' Report that this Plan
Represents the Town Lands on Forthill in Boston with the En-
croachments that at present Appear to be made by Several of the
Abutters Namelj^ Mr. Alexander Hunt, Jacob Wendell Esq"".
Mr. [468.] Brattle Oliver, Madam Phillips and Jacob Wendell
Esq'', as are Represented between the Red and Yellow Lines in
this Plan Delineated, within which Lines the Encroachments
appear to be made as by the Numbers from One to Five Mark't
and particular!}' set down will fully Appear.
And We further Report that We find an Encroachment made
by Col°. Wendell Mr. Parkman and Mr. Ingersoll on the Battery
Ground and Flatts where the South Battery so Called was formerly
Erected whereon many Peices of the Cannon belonging to the
said Battery are now lying and that Mr. Alexander Hunt Appears
to Us to be a Trespasser on the Town Flatts lying before the said
Hunts Dwelling house.
Samuel Adams "'I
Shem Drowne 1 p .,,
Jonathan Williams [
Joseph Marion J
And after a long Debate had thereon, As to that part relating
to the Fortifications, It was,
Voted, That a Committee be Chosen and Appointed to Wait
upon the Captain General Requesting His Excellency if he please
to give his Orders for the Removal of such Incumbrances as are
lying on the Battery Ground near Forthill ; that so the great Ar-
tillery and Warlike Stores may be preserved, and put into a proper
Condition for immediate Service when Occasion shall call for it.
Voted, That the Select Men, and the Committee appointed to
Enquire into the Town Rights on and about Forthill Vizt. Samuel
Adams Esq''. Mr. Joseph Marion Mr. Hugh Vans Mr. Shem
Drowne and Mr. Jonathan Williams be the Committee to Wait
upon the Captain General as aforesaid.
Also, Voted That the Consideration of the other part of the
Report be refer'd to the Adjournment of this Meeting at some
Distant Day.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned till ToMorrow Morning
Nine aClock.
[469.] Tuesday, March. 9'^^.
The Town being Assembled according to Adjournment.
Capt. Jeffery Bedgood who was. Yesterday Chose an Overseer
of the Poor desires to be Excused from that Service.
Mess". William Ireland Pay
William MoUineaux Pay
Thomas Fillebrowne Sworn
Seth Foster Sworn
Robert Charles Excus'd belongs to the Troop
Charles Dabney Sworn
John Barrett (Shop-
keeper) Pay
were Chosen Constables.
The Select Mens Report on Mr. Francis Willoughby's Account
>■ Constables
288 City Document No. 66.
of the Granary for the Year past, and as Entree! in his Book
Read And
Voted, That the said Report be Accepted & accordingly that
Mr. Willoughb}^ be farther Accountable for Thirty One Bushels of
Rye and Twenty Seven Hundred and One Quarter of Flour, And
the Sum of Eight Hundred and Ninety One Pounds Seven Shillings
and Nine pence in Bills of Credit the whole of which Amounts to
the Sum of One Thousand Twenty four Pounds & Nine pence
which remains in his Hands Exclusive of Mr. Willoughby's Salary
for the Year past, Vizt. One Hundred Pounds which is hereby
also Allowed.
Mess". Richard Buckley
Peter Thomas
Joshua Blanchard
William Salter y Assessors.
Daniel Pecker
Nathaniel Barber
Jacob Parker
were Chosen Assessors for the Year ensuing.
Mr. William Salter desires that he may be Excused [470.]
For Serving, as an Assessor for the Year ensuing, & upon hearing
his Reason, It was
Voted that he should be Excused accordingly.
Deacon John Phillips was Unanimously Chosen an Overseer of
the Poor in the room of Capt. Jeffery Bedgood.
The Town proceeded to bring in their Votes for a Town Treas-
urer, and it Appeared that the Honourable Joseph Wadsworth
Esq'^. was Unanimously Chosen and Accordingly Sworn into that
Office by the Hon. Samuel Welles Esq"".
Mr. Robert Charles Chosen One of the Constables Appeared
and prayed that he may be Excused from that Service, he being a
Listed Trooper in the Troop of Guards under the Command of
Estes Hatch Esq', after some Debate thereon. The Question was
put, Whether the said Robert Charles be Excused for the reasons
given ?
Voted in the Affirmative.
The Town proceeded to bring in their Votes for One Assessor in
the room of Mr. William Salter who declines Serving and upon
Sorting the Votes it Appeared that William Fairfield was Chosen.
Mess". William Fenwick Pay ^
JohnScolley Pay I Constables
Ebenezer Wallis Sworn [
Thomas Haj'es Sworn J
were Chosen Constables,
The Petition of Thomas Wllliston Sexton of the Old Brick
Church, Read at the Opening of the Meeting Setting forth.
That he had been Sexton of said Meeting house the Year past and
had Constantly Attended his Duty and it has been an Ancient
Custom that the said Sexton should have the Benefit of Publishing
the Banns of Matrimon}'- when Capable and most of the Con-
gregation are desirous that he should have the Benefit of [471.]
Publishing if he had the Order of the Town Meeting for the same
Boston Town Eecords, 1741-42.
289
Praying the Town to take the same into Consideration, and Grant
him leave to Publish according!}' After a Considerable Debate
thereon A Motion was Made & the Question was put, Whether the
said Petition should be Dismissed ? And it passed in the Affirm-
ative.
The Petition of Sundry Inhabitants relating to Paving of Orange
Street at the South end, from the End of the present Pavement,
to the Pavement which extends to the Fortification Read at the
Opening of this Meeting, came into Consideration and after a long
Debate thereon, The Question was put. Whether the Town will
now proceed to the Consideration of this Petition ? It passed in
the Affirmative.
And then another Question was put, Vizt. Whether tlie said High
Way should be Paved from the End of the present Paving till it
meets with the Pavement that extends to the Fortification, Upon
Condition that any Abutter or number of Abutters to the Satisfac-
tion of the Satisfaction of the Select Men will Undertake that each
and every Abutter shall Pay his proportionable part for Paving
the same? It was Voted in the Affirmative; and that the Select
Men be desired to See the same effected in the best and Cheapest
manner, in the above Conditions.
Mr. John Gibbs Chosen One of the Constables Appeared and
pleaded that he is now a Vestry Man in the Church of England
whereof the Reverend Dr. Cutler is Minister, and therefore desired
to be Excused — after some Debate thereon. The Question was put
Whether the Town would Excuse him for the reasons given ? And
it passed in the Negative.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned till Three oClock in the
Afternoon.
Afternoon, The Town being Assembled.
[473.] Mess". Andrew Halyburton ^
Samuel Service Sworn I tt
William Codner Sworn f^^^
John Gridley Sworn J
were Chosen Hogreves for the Year ensuing.
Mess". Joseph Russell Sworn '
Caleb Ray Sworn
Thomas Foster Sworn
Benjamin Russell Sworn
John Adams, (North End) Sworn
John Indicott
Hopestill Foster
were Chosen Fence Viewers for the Year ensuins:
reves.
' Fence Viewers.
Mess'
Edward Moberly
William Paine
Moses Eaj'res
John Ruddock
Joseph White
Matthew Barnard
Joseph Ricks
Sworn ^
Sworn
Sworn
o )' Viewers of Shingles &c.
Sworn
Sworn
Thomas Jones, Not Capable
having a Weak Sight.
were Chosen Surveyors of Boards, Timber, Shingles &c.
290
City Document No. QS.
Mess". John Helyer Sworn
Harvey Thomas Sworn
Samuel Green Sworn
Isaac Fowle
John Hobbs Sworn
Benj^. Barnard Sworn
Benj°^. Sault Sworn
^ Cullers of Staves.
were Chosen Cullers of Staves for the Year ensuing.
Voted, That the Select Men be Surveyors of the High Ways.
Mess". Nathaniel Gardner jj^fo^mers ab'. Deer,
Richard Hubbard j
to inform against & prosecute the Violaters of the Act for the better
Preservation and Increase of Deer within this Province.
[473.] Mr. Isaac Gridley was Chosen Surveyor of Hemp and
Flax for the Year ensuing.
Mess". Samuel May
Benjamin Mason
Robert Williams
William Darrington
John Allen
Thomas Inches
Nathaniel Hodgdon
Sworn ^
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn ]- Sealers of Leather.
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
were Chosen Sealers of Leather for the Year ensuing.
Mr. Richard Carter Cowel was Chosen Haward for the Year
ensuing.
Mess"
•n|
•n ;
Constables
!^ Clerks of the Market.
Josiah Carter Sworn
John Nowell Swor
were Chosen Constables.
Mess". John Ruddock Sworn
William Bowles Sworn
Ebenezer Simpson Sworn
Charles Harrison Excused
Astar Stoddard Sworn
John Miller Sworn
Ellis Wilson Sworn
Benjamin Rankin Sworn
Daniel Williams Sworn
Daniel 'Ray Sworn
Samuel Rogers Sworn
Daniel Sigourney Sworn
Gamaliel Wallis Pay
were Chosen Clerks of the Market for the Year ensuing.
Mess". Joseph Webb
William Greenleaf
William Salter
Capt. Benj*. Pollard
Ebenezer Lowell
Knight Leverett
Capt Barth". Cheever
' Scavingers.
Boston Town Eecokds, 1741-42. 291
[474.] Mess". Charles Coffin ^
John Darrell |
Richard Gooding )■ Scavingers.
Nathaniel Greenwood
George Skinner
were Chosen Scavengers for the Year ensuing.
The Petition of Mr. Samuel Wentworth Read at the Open-
ing of the Meeting, was now taken into Consideration
And Voted, That the Subject Matter of the said Petition be
referred to the Select Men to do what they shall think proper and
most for the Advantage of the Town.
The Petition of Joseph Simpson and John Hooker relating to
their digging Graves in the Burial places in this Town Read
at the Opening of the Meeting, was now taken into Consideration
and after some Debate
It was Voted That the Prayer thereof be refer'd to the Select
Men to act therein as the}' shall think best and most reasonable.
The Petition of James Read and others. Masters of the Fire
Engines, in behalf of themselves and l^heir Companys Praying that
the}' may be Exempted from Serving in other Town Offices for the
Year ensuing, And that the Premium which the Town hath
granted for Two Years past, to the first Engine which should be
brought to Work upon any Building on Fire, might be still Allowed
them, for reasons mentioned Read and
Voted That the Praj'er of the Petition be Granted provided there
be Two Men more Added to each Engine & an Ax and Hook pro-
vided to each Engine and they bring with them to the Fire the
said Ax and Hook.
The Report of the Select Men on the Visitation of the Publick
Schools Read again and is as follows. Viz'.
To the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of Boston in Town
Meeting Assembled, March. 8"". 1741.
[475.] Pursuant to a Vote of the Town of Boston at their
Annual Meeting the Ninth of March last past. Desiring the Select
Men to Visit the Several Publick Schools in the Town, and to
desire such Gentlemen to Accompany them therein, as they shall
think proper, and to Report thereon.
We the Subscribers accordingly Attended that Service on Wed-
nesday the Seventeenth of June last Accompanied by the follow-
ing Gentlemen, Vizt.
The Hon. Josiah Willard Esq^
The Hon. Jacob Wendell Esq^
The Hon. Richard Bill Esq^
The Hon. William Foye Esq^
Major Samuel Sewall
The Rev. Joseph Sewall D. D.
The Rev. INIr. Thomas Prince
The Rev. Mr. John Webb
The Rev. Mr. William Welsteed
Mr. Edward Bromfield, and
Mr. James Allen
and found the said Schools under a good regulation, The Number
292 City Document No. Q6.
of Scholars in each School were as follows, Vizt. In the South
Grammar School Eighty Seven, In the South Writing School
Forty Eight, in the Writing School in Queen Street Seventy four ;
In the North Grammar School Sixty five ; And in the North Writ-
ing School Two Hundred.
John Jeffries ")
Caleb Lyman j
Jonas Clarke I Select Men.
TnoMAS Hancock (
MiDDLECOTT CoOKE |
John Steel j
Voted, That this Report be Accepted and that the Gentlemen
the Select Men be desired to Visit the Publick Schools the Year
ensuing, and that they desire such Gentlemen to Accompan}^ them
therein as they shall think Convenient, and that they Report
thereon.
[476.] Voted, That the Gentlemen the Representatives of
Boston be Added to the Committee Chosen Yesterday, to Wait
upon the Captain General.
The Question was put, Whether the Town will Choose a Com-
mittee for Purchasing Grain &c. bj' a handy Vote?
It passed in the Affirmative, and
Mess^^ Jeremiah Belknap")
John Salter >■ Committee.
John Tyler )
were Chosen a Committee for Purchasing Grain, who are hereby
Impowered to give all Needful Directions to the Master of the
Granary, respecting the Quantities of Grain to be Sold, and Set-
ting the Price thereof from time to time.
Voted, That this Meeting bo Adjourned to Fryday next, the
Twelfth instant, at Three o'Clock afternoon.
Fryday, March, 12*. 1741.
The Town being Assembled according to Adjournment.
On a Motion made. It was Voted that for the future the Town
shall not proceed to Act on any Matter or thing which will Nec-
essarily bring on a Considerable Disbursement of Money without
its being Inserted in the Warrant for calling the Meeting.
The Question was put, Whether the Town would do any thing
in Consequence of the Motion made at the Opening of this Meeting,
by Mr. William Torrey, relating to the Educating of Children in
the Middle part of the Town?
And it passed in the Negative.
The Committee Appointed to wait on His Excellency the
Captain General, the Eighth instant, Requesting him to give his
Orders for the Removal of such Incumbrances as are lying on the
Battery Ground near Fort hill, that so the great Artillery and
Warlike Stores may be preserved, and put into a proper Condition
for immediate Service [4:7 7 «] When Occasion shall call for it,
made Report that they had accordingly Waited upon His Excel-
lency and received an Answer from him in the Words following,
Vizt.
Boston Town Eecoeds, 1741-42. 293
Gentlemen, Boston March. 11. 1741.
You are hereby Directed to take Care for the removal of the In-
cumbrances that are lyuig on the Battery Grounds in Boston, that
so the great Artillery and Warlike Stores may be preserved
and put into a proper Condition for immediate Service according
to the request of the said Town in this Affair, You must
Attend the Select Men of Boston who will Assist You and defray
the Charge of this Service.
To Mess". John Steele, Shem Drowne
and Jonathan Williams, W, Shirley.
And then a Motion was made by Mr. Joseph Marion, that the
following Vote might be passed, Vizt.
Inasmuch as His Excellency the Captain General has been
pleased in a kind manner to Receive the Committee appointed by
the Town to Wait on him regarding the Incumbrances on the Bat-
tery Grounds in Boston And has also at the Towns Application
Appointed a Committee to remove the said Incumbrances
Therefore Voted, That the Town in the most Dutiful manner,
return their Sincere Thanks to His Excellency the Governour, by
the Gentlemen the Select Men, for his peculiar regard to the Town
in the Order given by His Excellencj- for the removing the Incum-
brances aforesaid. And that the Town humbly trust that His Ex-
cellency is really Disposed to preserve and protect the Rights and
Liberties of the Inliabitants of this Town, as well as their Persons.
Which Unanimously passed in the Affirmative.
Voted, That the Select Men be desired to wait upon His Excel-
lency according!}'.
A Question was put, Whether Capt John Steel Mr. Shem
Drowne and Mr. Jonathan Williams be desired [478.] To Erect
a Fence round the South Battery Grounds?
It passed in the Affirmative, and they are desired to take Care
that the same be done accordingly.
On a Motion made, Whether the Report of the Committee ap-
pointed to Enquire into the Towns Rights on and about Fort hill
as Entred the Eighth instant be Accepted? And
It was Voted in the Affirmative, And then
Voted, That the Consideration of the Report relating to the In-
croachments on Fort hill be refer'd to the next General Town
Meeting.
A Motion was made relating to the Choice of Tything Men, but
Nothing done thereon.
On the Motion made by Mr. Jonathan Willis at the Opening of
the Meeting, relating to Chimneys being Fired, after a Debate
thereon.
It was Voted, That the Select Men be desired to prepare a
Draft of a B3'law for the regular & Seasonable Sweeping of
Chimnej-s and present the same at the next General Town Meet-
ing.
The Motion made by Mr. Willis at the Opening of this Meeting,
relating to Horses and Chaise coming in and going out of Town
late at Night, came under Consideration, but Nothing done there-
on.
294 City Document No. 66.
The other Motion made at the Opening of the Meeting by Mr.
Willis, relating to keeping the Streets clean, the Town Apprehend
comes under the Care & Cognizance of the Select Men as Survey-
ors of High Ways.
On the Motion made by Capt. Nathaniel Cunningham at the
Opening of ihe Meeting, relating to Grain.
Voted, That the Keeper of the Granary be directed to receive
into the Granary any Quantities of Grain as shall from time to
time be sent there for Charitable Uses, and to be delivered out
again only by way of Charitj'^ according to the Direction of the
Gentlemen that shall put in the same.
[479.] On the Motion made at the Opening of this Meeting
b3- Capt, Nathaniel Cunningham relating to Wood.
Voted, That the Committee Appointed the last Year to provide
Cord Wood for the Use of the Town be desired to make Provission
for the receiving such Quantities of Wood as shall from time to
time be Landed by any Gentleman that shall give the same for
Charitable Uses to be Delivered out again bj^ way of Charity
according to the Direction of the Person that shall Land and give
the same.
Mr. John Tyler declining to Serve as One of the Committee for
Purchasing Grain.
Deacon Samuel Bridgham was Chosen in his Room.
Voted, That the Consideration of raising Money and Choosing
Collectors of Taxes be refer'd to the next General Town Meeting.
Then the Meeting was Dismissed.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly Qualified and lawfully Warned in Town
Meeting Assembled on Tuesday the Eleventh Day of May, Anno
Domini, 1742.
Prayer was made by the Rev*^. Mr. John Webb.
The Precept and Warrant for Calling the Meeting. Read.
Sundry Laws Read.
The Hon. John Jeffries Esq^ One of the Select Men in their
Name, proposed to the Inhabitants Assembled to proceed to the
Choice of a Person or Persons to Serve for and Represent them in
a Great and General Court or Assembly to be held at Boston upon
Wednesday the Twenty Sixth Day of May instant, And in Order
thereto to Consider & Ascertain the Number of Gentlemen to be
Elected, Accordingly.
[480.] Voted, to proceed to the Choice of Four Representa-
tives.
The Votes being Collected the Number of Voters were found to
be Five Hundred and Twenty five, and upon Sorting the Votes it
Appeared that the following Gentlemen were Chosen by a Major
part of the Votes, Vizt.
No of Votes.
Mr. Thomas Gushing 510.
Mr. Timothy Prout 439.
Mr. Edward Bromfield 322.
Mr. James Allen 372.
Boston Town Eecords, 1742. 295
The Election of Representatives being ended, and the same de-
clared by the Select Men.
The Town proceeded to the Choice of a Moderator by a handy
Vote and Mr. Thomas Gushing being Nominated, The Question
was put, Whether they would Choose the said Mr. Thomas Cush-
ing for the Moderator of this Meeting,
And it passed in the Affirmative.
A Motion made by Mr. Richard Hubbard relating to the Nu-
sance at the lower end of Milk Street, the Stoppage of the Water
there being so great, that there is no passing.
A Motion made by Mr. Henry Lloyd Praying he may have Lib-
erty to take off Stones from Deer Island, Paying therefore what
shall be thought reasonable.
A Motion made by Mr. Thomas Cushing that the Town would
represent to the General Court the distressing Circumstances of
this Town and to Pray for Relief as to their Proportion of the
Province Tax which is to be at the next Sessions anew Appor-
tioned.
A Motion made by Mr. Edward Moberly relating to Shingles. •
Sundr^^ Petitions, Read Vizt.
Of Mr. Joseph Clewly for Liberty to Erect a Wind Mill on Fort
hill.
Of Mr. Zechariuh Hicks, Praying he may Succeed Mr. Allen as
Master of the South Writing School he desiring to Resign that
Office.
[481.] Of Sundry Inhabitants of this Town respecting the
Millers.
Of Mr. Joseph Savell, Praying for an Abatement of the Rent of
the Cellar he hired of the Town.
Of Mr. John Lovell Praying for an Addition to his Salary.
Of the Overseers of the Poor for Supplying the Alms house.
Voted, That the Meeting be Adjourned till Three o'Clock in the
Afternoon.
Afternoon, the Town being Assembled.
A Motion made by Capt. Benjamin Pollard, that there may be a
Flagg provided for the South Battery.
A By Law prepared by the Select Men for the regular and Sea-
sonable Sweeping of Chimnies Read, and is as follows
Vizt.
For the more Effectual Provission for the regular and Seasonable
Sweeping the Chimneys of this Town.
It is Voted and Ordered.
That the Select Men of the Town for the time being, be hereby
directed and Impowered from time to time to Appoint One or
more Suitable Persons to be Sweepers of Chimneys within this
Town, who shall give Security to the Satisfaction of the Select
Men for their good Behaviour in Said Office ; and whose Wages
for their Work & Service in Lawful Money of this Province, shall
not exceed the Rates hereafter mentioned, Vizt.
For each Chimney of Five Stories high, Nine pence.
Of Four Stories high. Eight pence.
296 City Document ^o. 66.
Of Three Stories high, Six pence.
And other Common Chimne3's, Six pence.
And all Kitchen Chimneys that are above the Tops of the House
they belong to in proportion to the heighth of the House at the Rates
above.
And if any Person whomsoever who is not so Appointed as
aforesaid shall presume, either by himself or Servant to Undertake
the Sweeping of any Chimney in this [483.] Town, Except such
Chimney or Chimney's as under his or their own Improvement shall
Forfeit and Pay the Sum of Five Shillings for every such Offence.
And it is further Ordered, That every Person or Persons so
Appointed by the Select Men to be Undertakers of Chimney Sweep-
ing, shall be Obliged within Forty Eight hours (after Notice given
them in "Writing) either by themselves or some other Person (to
be Approved by the Select Men) duly to Attend the Sweeping of
such Chimney, on Penalty of Forfeiting the Sum of Five Shillings
for every such Neglect.
And it is further Ordered, That upon Complaint made to any of
the Select Men, either by the Chimney Sweepers or by any other
of the Inhabitants of this Town, against any Person or Persons
Neglecting to have their Chimneys Swept, being foul ; that in ever}'-
such Case the Select Men or an}" two of them, are hereby Im-
powered to Inspect and View the said Chimney or Chimneys
Complained against as aforesaid, And if they judge the said Chim-
nej's or any of them unsafe to make or keep Fire therein, by reason
of their being foul and want of Sweeping, and Signify the same to
the Person or Persons then in Possessions of the Tenement to
which such Chimney doth belong that, then and in every such Case,
the Occupier of ever}' such House or Tenement shall forfeit and
Pay the Sum of Two Shillings for every Day in which Fire shall
be kept in such Chimney until the same shall be Sufficiently Swept.
And it is further Ordered, That if any Chimney shall take
Fire and Blaze out at the Top, thro' Foulness or for want of Sweep-
ing, the Occupier of the House shall forfeit and Pay the Sum of
Ten Shillings unless it shall happen within Thirty Days after said
Chimney shall have been Swept ; And then and in such Case the
Person who last Swept the same shall forfeit and Pay the afore-
said Fine of Ten Shillings Provided the said Fire shall be
Occasioned thro' Foulness or his Defect in Sweeping.
This Order to Continue and be in force till the Town shall See
cause to Alter the same.
[483.] Voted, That the same be Accepted, and that the
Select Men be desired to present the same to the next Court of
General Sessions of the Peace to be holden for this County for
their Approbation
Voted, That when any Person or Persons are Convicted of the
Breach of any part of the aforegoing Law, the Informer shall be
Entitled to, and receive the Sum of Five ShilUngs Lawful Money
of this Province out of the Town Treasury on every such Convic-
tion.
The Law of the Province relating to Petit Jurors being Head
and the List of Jurors prepared by the Select Men being presented
Boston Town Eecords, 1742. 297
to the Town was Read over, & Accepted, And the Select Men and
Assessors are desired as a Committee to prepare a List of such
Persons as they judge proper and Qualified to Serve at the Superiour
Court, and another List of such as they judge proper to Serve at
the Inferiour Court and Court of Sessions and Report thereon as
soon as may he.
The Petition of Mr. John Lovell Master of the South Grammar
School Praj'ing for an Addition to his Salary for the Reasons
mentioned, came under Consideration and after some Debate
It was put to Vote Whether the Town would make an Addition to
Mr. Lovells Salary? And it passed in the Affirmative, And it was
Voted That the Sum of Fifty Pounds Bills of the Old Tenor be
Added to his present Salary- to Commence on the Eighth Day of
July next.
The Petition of Mr. Zacheriah Hicks Praying he may Succeed
Mr. Samuel Allen as Master of the South Writing School who has
resigned, now came under Consideration, and by a handy Vote
It was
Voted, That the said Mr. Zechariah Hicks shall be Master of the
said School And that his Salary be Two Hundred Pounds in Bills
©f the Old Tenor to be paid out of the Town Treasury, to Com-
mence as soon as he shall take [484.] Upon him the Charge of
said School, and the Select Men are desired to Inform him thereof
and to Induct him into the Said School.
The Vote of the Council and Representatives of the Tenth of
April last Desiring His Excellencj' the Captain General to give
Orders that within Tweh'e Months there be Erected within the
Town or Harbour of Boston a good and Sufficient Breast Work and
a Platform Built and Twenty Guns Eighteen Pounders or others
Equivalent Mounted and all Suitable Warlike Stores procured, and
that the Sum of One Thousand Pounds be Granted and paid out of
the Publick Treasury to the Order of the said Town, they giving
Securit}^ to the Province Treasurer for the Erecting said Work and
procuring said Stores, and that the same shall be from time to
time Maintained or on the failure either of their performing said
Work or Maintaining them the Money herebj- Granted to be repaid
by said Town into tiie Province Treasury again. Read And
then
The Report of the Committee appointed the Eighth of March
last, and Directed by the Captain General the Eleventh Day of the
same to Remove the Incumbrances that were laying on the Battery
Grounds, that so the great Artillery and Warlike Stores might be
preserved and put into a proper Condition for immediate Service,
being Read was in the Words following. That they had accord-
ingly Attended that Service, and raised Eleven Guns at the North
Battery out of the Tides Way and laid them on Skidds, there being
no Platform to Mount them on. Also had Mounted Nineteen Guns
on Carriages on the South Battery Ground, after the best manner
that could be, there being no Platform to place them on. Also had
raised Seven more out of the Rubbish and placed them on Skids to the
Northward of the Sconce House, and according to the Desire of the
Town had Erected a Fence and inclosed the South Battery Ground
298 City Document No. 66.
excepting to the Northward of the Sconce, where there is Erected
a New 8hip belonging to Mr. Daniel Ingersoll which stands part
of her on said Ground [485.] And is a great Nusance to the Pub-
lick, that part of said Ground to the Southward of the Sconce
which is Claimed by Jacob Wendell Esq', and is also much Incum-
bred with Boards Anchors Buildings and Wharfes, the said Com-
mittee had also Examined into the State of the Warlike Stores and,
find that they are most of them Lost and Destroyed (Excepting
Shot of which there is a good quantity) for want of a place to pre-
serve them in, the Sconce House being gone to Decay.
Signed, John Steel
Shem Drowne
JoN^. Williams
And after a long Debate thereon.
Voted, to Choose a Committee of Five Persons to Consider in
what places and in what manner it will be most proper for the
Town to Fortify themselves and Report theteon at the Adjourn-
ment of this Meeting And Accordingly
The Hon. Samuel Welles Esq^
John Fayerweather Esq''.
Capt. John Steel
Deacon Shem Drowne, and
Deacon Jonathan Williams
were Chosen to be this Committee.
And then it was Moved and Voted, That the same Committee
Consider in what Manner it may be proper and most for the Ad-
vantage of the Town to Issue the Controversys relating to those
Persons that are in Possession or Claim the Battery Lands and
Report thereon at the same time And then
Voted That the Select Men for the time being are hereby Im-
powered as Agents or Attorne3-s for the Proprietors Freeholders
and other Inhabitants of the Town to Demand of any Person or
Persons therein Concerned immediately to Repair and make good
all such Parcels of the High Way on the Neck as they are respec-
tively Obliged to put and keep in repair ; To take and Use all Law-
ful Ways and Means to Compel them so to do ; To Enter upon and
take Possession of all such Lauds Tenements & Hereditaments
[486.] As by the Neglect of the said Ways fall into the hands of
the Proprietors or Freeholders and other Inhabitants aforesaid and
Order and Dispose thereof at their Discretion for the Towns best
Advantage till further Order ; And Lastly to Bring all such Suits
and Actions as they shall judge proper for the Ends aforesaid. And
to pursue or Discontinue them as they shall think most Expedient,
with full power of Substituting Attorneys under them for the Ends
aforesaid as Occasion shall require.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned till Friday the Four-
teenth instant at Nine o'Clock in the Forenoon.
Fryday Morning, May. 14'^. 1742. Nine o'Clock The Town
being Assembled according to Adjournment.
Mr. Thomas Cushing the Moderator of this Meeting being
Obliged to go out of Town prayed (by his Letter Sent to the
Boston Town Records, 1742. 299
Town) that he ma}- be Excused from Attending any farther at this
Meeting, Whereupon the Town proceeded to Choose a Moderator
and the Question was put. Whether they should do it by a handy
Vote? And it passed in the Affirmative, And Capt. Nathaniel
Cunningham being Nominated, The Question was put, Whether
Capt. Nathaniel Cunningham should be Moderator of this Meeting?
And it passed in the Affirmative.
Mr. Savell was Ordered to Wait upon Capt. Cunningham to In-
form Him thereof, who came into the Meeting, and tlien the Town
proceeded to Business.
A Computation made by the Town Treasurer of the Expences
of the Town the ensuing Year was Read.
A Motion was made by Mr. Middlecott Cooke that there be a
Committee Appointed to Examine the Treasurers Books that so the
Ballance thereof may be l^nown & that they be desired to get a
Set of New Books and Settle some proper Method for the Treasurer
to State his Accounts in that so the Town may be Always Ac-
quainted with the Ballance thereof, And that some Person may be
[487.] Appointed b}' them to do tlie same under their Direction
Voted, Tiiat a Committee Consisting of Three Persons be ap-
pointed accordingly, and then
Thomas Hutchinson Esq'".
Mr. .John Wheelwright and
Mr. Joseph Green
were Chosen a Committee for the purposes aforesaid, and they are
desired to make Report of their Doings hereon as soon as may
be.
The Town proceeded to bring in their Votes for One Constable
and upon Collecting them it appeared that Mr. William Moore
Distiller were Chosen into that Office.
Mr. John Indicott who was Chosen at the Meeting in March
last. One of the Fence Viewers, desiring to be Excused from that
Service It was Voted, that he be Excused accordingly And
Mr. Nathaniel Viall Housewright, being proposed in his room, the
Question was put, Whether the said Viall be a Fence Viewer for
the Year ensuing? And it passed in the Affirmative.
The Town proceeded to Choose a Clerk of the Market in the
room of Mr. Gamaliel Wallis Chosen last March Meeting and paid,
And Mr. Edward Winter being Nominated he was accordingly
Chose into that office.
The Town proceeded to the Choice of Three Collectors of Taxes
for the Year ensuing and upon Sorting the Votes it Appeared that
Mess". John Staniford ^
John Goldthwait & >■ Collectors.
Jacob Sheafe )
were Unanimously Chosen into that Office.
The Report of the Committee Appointed the Eleventh instant,
to Consider in what places and in what Manner it will be most
proper for the Town to Fortify themselves, And also in what
manner it may be proper and most for, the Advantage of the Town
to issue the Controversys relating to those Persons that are in
Possession of, or Claim the [488.] Batter}' Lands, was Read and
is in the Words following, Vizt.
300 City Document No. 66.
The Committee appointed by tlie Town at their Meeting the
Eleventh instant to Consider in what places and manner it will
be most proper for the Town to Fortify themselves, Are of Opin-
ion.
That the North Battery be repaired by Building a Stone Wall
all along in the Front, Five thick at Bottom and Battering to about
Three feet and an half thick at the Top, this Wall to be built so
high as to be within a foot of high water mark ; That this Battery
be extended about Thirty feet farther to the North East, for
the whole Breadth of it, to be Built with Square Pine Timber
and the aforesaid Stone Wall to be Continued along the
Front and at the North Eastern end, that the Old part of the
Battery and this new Stone Wall be United and raised at least
Two feet above High Water mark by Square Wiiite Pine Timber
well put together, And that upon the South Eastern Side or part
and North Eastern end there be Erected a Breast Work of Square
White Pine Timber about Five feet thick and Five feet high ;
That there be a Platform of about Twenty feet broad laid with
White Pine Plank Two inches & an half thick ; The Cost of all
which We Apprehend will be about Three Thousand Pounds Old
Tenor according to an Estimate of particulars herewith presented.
As to the South Battery, the Committee are of Opinion that
the Sconce or House for reception of the Stores be thoroughly
repaired, that there be built a -Strong and Substantial Wharfe of
Square Pine Timber, about Forty feet broad, The Northern end
to be about Four Hundred feet and the Southern about Two
Hundred and Eighty feet Eastward of the Sconce, That on it be
Erected a Breast Work of Five feet high and Five feet thick for
the whole length which We Apprehend should be about Two Hun-
dred and Eight}' feet. The Cost of the whole whereof, by the
best Computation We can make, will Amount to something more
than Six Thousand Five Hundred Pounds Old Tenor [489.]
Of the Particulars on which this Money will be Expended a Sched-
ule is herewith laid before the Town.
The Committee are of Opinion, as to the Controversy Concerning
the Southern part of the Land, where the Guns have been formerly
and now are Mounted (there being no Prospect of its being ended by
Agreement or Submission to reference) that it be forthwith brought
to an issue by a Process in the Law under the Care of a Com-
mittee to be Specially Chosen for that purpose All which is Sub-
mitted in the Name and by Order of the Committee.
Samuel Welles.
If it shall be thought proper to Build a Communication from the
Sconce to the Battery, the Cost We Apprehend will be about
Fifteen Hundred Pounds by Order.
Boston May. 14. 1742. Sam^. Welles.
And after a long Debate thereon.
A Motion was made by Col°. Wendell and Seconded, That he
may have leave to Read some Copies of the Records of the Town
relating to the Controversy supposed to be between him and the
Town respecting his Title to his Lands at the South Battery, and
it being put to Vote.
It passed in the Affirmative, and they were Read.
BosTOx Tow^ Records, 1742. 301
And then a Question was put, Whether the whole of the Report
be Accepted, And it passed iu tlie Affirmative,
And it was tlieu Voted, That the Consideration of the Affair of
the Batter^-s should come on at Four o'Clock this Afternoon
And then
It was Voted that the Meeting be Adjourned to Three o'Clock
in the Afternoon.
Afternoon, the Town being Assembled.
Mr. Richard Carter Cowell who was Chose Haward the last
March Meeting, desired to be Excused from that Service for the
reasons given, Whereupon the Question was put Whether he
should be Excused?
It was Voted in the Negative.
[490.] Tlie Consideration of the Allowance of the Collectors
of Taxes now cauie on and after a Short Debate,
It was Voted, That Twelve pence on the Pound be & hereby is
Allowed to be paid to the Several Collectoi's of Taxes within this
Town for the Year ensuing, Provided the}' Pay in to the Town
Treasurer One half part of the Suras b}' them to be respectively
Collected, within Six Months from the time they shall receive the
Books from the Assessors, and the other half part in six Months
after, And in Case the}- or either of them shall fail Paying the
Town Treasurer in the above manner, the said Collectors shall
forfeit the aforesaid Allowance of Twelve pence on the Pound I'ov
the Sum they were to Collect in the said Six Months wherein they
shall so fail. Provided also that they give Bond with Sulficient
Suretys for the faithful Discharge of their Office to the Satisfaction
of the Select Men.
The Petition of the Collectors of Taxes Praying the Assessors
may be Allowed to Set npon Abatements till the last Day of
October next, now came under Consideration, and after some
Debate It was Voted That the Assessors be Allowed t(j Set
upon Abatements until the last Day of Jul}' next and no longer. — ■
The Grant of the General Court of the Sura of One Thousand
Pounds for Erecting a good and Sufficient Breast Work and a
Platform built and Twenty Guns Eighteen Pounders, or others
equivalent Mounted, and all Suitable Warlike Stores procured,
upon the Terms and Conditions mentioned in said Grant, came
under Consideration, And The Qnestion was put. Whether the Town
would Accept of the said Grant upon the Conditions therein men-
tioned. And it was Voted in the Affirmative. Also
Voted, That the Select Men be desired on behalf of the Town
to give Security to the Province Treasurer in the manner reqiiiretl
by the Grant of the General Court.
And then it was moved and Voted That the Town Treasurer be
and hereby is directed and Irapowei-ed to receive the aforesaid
[491.] Sum of One Thousand Pounds of the Province Treasurer
to be by him kept and paid out for the I^recling of Fortifications
(and that Use only) in this Town unto such a Committee as the
Town shall Choose and appoint for that purpose.
It was then Moved and Voted that the Moneys for which the throe
302- City Document No. 66.
Townships gi anted by the General Court to the Tonui of Boston
were Sold, and the Interest arisen thereon, be paid unto the Town
Treasurer to be by him liept and paid out for the Building of Forti-
fications in this Town (and no other Use) unto such a Committee
as the Town shall clioose & appoint for that purpose.
Voted, That the Committee that shall be Chose for Erecting the
Fortifications be desired to receive Subscriptions of all such Persons
as are willing to Encourage the Building the same.
Voted, That the Select Men be the said Committee for Erecting
the Fortifications or Batterys, and that they Employ One or more
Persons as they shall think proper to be Overseers of the Work, to
Purchase Materials for the Building and Effecting the same, to Pay
off the Workmen every Saturday night, and do such other things
as they shall think proper for Compleating the same, and that they
be as Expeditious as possible in carrying on said Work.
And tlien Voted, That tlie Select Men be desired to Wait upon
His Excellenc}' the Captain General to lay before him the Votes
and proceedings of the Town relating to the Erecting of Fortifi-
cations, for his Allowance and Approbation.
The Petition of Joseph Clewly read at the Opening of the Meet-
ing the Eleventh instant, now came under Consideration, and after
some Debate thereon.
It was Voted, That the Pra3-er thereof be so far Granted as that
the said Joseph Clewly be Allowed to remove his Wind Mill from
Eoxbury and Erect the same on Forthill at his own Expence and in
such place as the Select Men shall Appoint, and Pay to the Town
such a Quit Rent as the Select Men shall think proper, the said
Wind Mill to Continue there during the pleasure ol the Town.
[492.] On a Motion made and Seconded thut the Report of
the Committee Appointed to Consider what manner it may be
proper and most for the Advantage of the Town to Issue the Con-
troversys relating to those Persons that are in Possession of, or
Claim the Battery Lands &c. as read in the Morning, may be Re-
considered so far as it relates to prosecuting the Possessors or
Claimers of said Lands, It passed in the Affirmative, and then
It was Voted That Capt. John Steel Mr. Shem Drowne and Mr.
Jonathan Williams or any two of tliem be and hereby are Im-
powered as Agents or Attorneys for the Proprietors Fj-eeholders
and other Inhabitants of the Town to Submit to Reference the
Controversy between the Town and such Persons as they shall
Apprehend to have Incroach'd or Committed any Trespasses on
any of the Lands or Flatts Needful to Accommodate the South
Battery as the Guns have been formerly Mounted and such Award
or Arbitrement as shall be come into. Agreed on and given up or
delivered as the Act of the Referrees Mutually Chosen by the said
Agents or any two of them, and any Person or Persons in Con-
troversy as aforesaid shall be binding and Obligatory on the Town,
and be Esteemed as their Act, and finally End the Controvers3'-
accordingly, and in Case the said Controvers}' shall not be issued
by Reference within such time as the said Agents or the Major
part of them shall think proper they the said Agents or any two of
them are directed and Impowered to prosecute the said Controversy
Boston To\\tt Records, 1742. 303
m the Law, and to Use all proper Methods in the Law to Eject and
Remove any Persons intruding as aforesaid, with full power to Sub-
stitute any Attorney or Attorneys under them or any two of them as
the^' shall think proper either in Submitting the Controversy to
Reference or Prosecuting it in the Law, the Charge of which to be
defrayed by the Town.
Voted, That the Thanks of the Town be given to Capt. John
Steel Mr. Shem Drowne and Mr. Jonathan Williams the Com-
mittee appointed to remove the Incumbrances off [493.] The
South Batter}' Lands and Erecting a Fence there, for their great
Pains in Attending and performing the Services desired of them.
The Motion made by Mr. Henrj Lloyd at the Opening of the
Meeting the Eleventh instant, Praying he may have Liberty to take
off Stones from Deer Island, was Considered And the Question
was put, "Whether he should have Liberty accordingly And it was
Voted in the Negative.
The Motion made by Mr. Richard Hubbard at the Opening of the
Meeting the Eleventh instant, relating to the Stoppage of the
Water at the lower end of Milk Street, was Considered, and Voted
that the same be Dismissed, for that the Nusance Complained of
is presentable at Common Law.
The Petition of Joseph Savell Read at the Opening of the Meet-
ing the Eleventh instant. Setting forth that on the Twentieth of
October, 1739. he hired of the Select Men Two Cellars under the
Town House in Boston at and after the Rate of Thirty Pounds p.
Annum for One Year, ending Oct. 1740. which was Six Pounds
p Annum more than the same was formerly Rented for. That the
Select Men by the Town Treasurer have made a Demand for One
Year & Two Months Rent ending the Sixteenth of December.
1741. but so it is that the Petitioner had the Improvement of the
Cellars for no longer time than Seven Months of the Two Years
and Two Months and had no Opportunity to make Use of 'em.
Wines being prevented coming in by reason of the War, Praying
the Town to take the Premisses into their Consideration and release
him from the said Demand Amounting to Thirt}^ four Pounds
Thirteen Shillings & Eight pence, The same was now taken Con-
sideration and after a short Debate It was Voted, That the said
Joseph Savell be Excused from Paying to the Town Treasurer the
said Sum of Thirty four Pounds Thirteen Shillings and Eight pence
accord in gl}'.
And then the Meeting was Adjourned to Wednesday next being
the Nineteenth instant, at Three o'Clock in the Afternoon.
[494.] Wednesday Afternoon, May, 19"'. 1742. 3 o'Clock
The Town being Assembled according to Adjournment.
The Select Men and Assessors presented the List of Jurors for
the Superiour and Inferiour Courts as desired by the Town, and after
Reading the same The Town proceeded to Select out of the List
One Quarter part of the Number so laid before them to Serve as
Jurors at the Superiour Court, and the remainder of them to Serve
as Jurors at the Inferiour Court of Common pleas and Court of
304 City Document No. 66.
General Sessions of the Peace for the County of Suffolk, pursuant
to a Law of the Province made and passed at their Session in
March last, and Voted That those Selected for the Superiour Cou'-t
be put in One Box, and the remainder to be put into another Box
for the Inferiour Court of Common pleas and Court of General Ses-
sions of the Peace &c. — —
Mr. William Moore who was Chosen a Constable at the Meeting
the 14'^. instant, having paid, the Town proceeded to the Choice
of another in his room, and upon Collecting and Sorting the Votes
it Appeared that Mr. Thomas Snow was Chosen, who was Sworn
in accordingly'.
The Petition of Sundry Inhabitants relating to Millers as therein
fully Set forth and Read at the Opening of the Meeting the
Eleventh instant, now came under Consideration, & after some
Debate thereon
The Question was put, Whether the Select Men be Desired to
draw up Instructions for the Representatives of Boston desiring
them to Use their Interest in the General Assembly to Obtain the
passing a Law to prevent Millers or any others from Menopolizing
of Grain in too great Quantities.
And It Pass'd in the Affirmative.
The Select Men presented to the Moderator a Letter they had
received from Christopher Kilby Esq''. One of the Agents of this
Province at the Court of Great Britain and the same being Read
Informed the Town that Mr. Abraham Francis, Mr. John Jones
and Hannah his Wife had Petitioned the King in Council for Lib-
ert}^ of a hearing or Trj^al of [495.] The Merits of a Cause
relating to the Town Dock which was Tryed on a Writ of Review
at the Superiour Court of Judicature held at Boston the Second
Tuesday of August A. D. 1738. and then the said Petition was
Read. — —
The Motion of Mr. Thomas Cushing made at the Opening of the
Meeting, That the Town would Represent to the General Court the
Distressing Circumstances of the Town and to Pray for Relief as
to their proportion of the Province Tax which is to be at the next
Sessions anew Apportioned, now came under Consideration, And
it was Voted That a Committee be Appointed for that purpose, to
Consist of Three, and That
Capt. Nathaniel Cunningham
Thomas Hutchinson Esq"", and
Mr. Joseph Marion,
be the said Committee and they are desired to draw up & Set forth
the distressing Circumstances of the Town in as full a manner as
they can in Writing and when they have Compteated the same to
deliver a Copy thereof to each of the Representatives of the
Town.
The Affair of the Grant of Money, and the Treasurers Salary is
refer'd to the next General Town Meeting for Consideration.
Mr. Moberly's Motion i-elating to Shingles made at the Opening
of the Meeting the P^leventh instant, came under Consideration,
but Nothing done thereon.
Boston Town Eecords, 1742. 305
Capt. Pollards Motion for a Flagg at the South Battery was
Considered of, but Nothing done thereon.
Then the Meeting was Dismissed.
[496,] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston duly Qualified and lawfulh* Warned in Pub-
licli Town Meeting Assembled at the Town house on Monday the
Twenty fourth Day of May, A. D. 1742.
The Warrant for calling the Meeting Read.
And then the Honourable John Jeffries Esq'. Informed the Town
that the first Thing to be done is to Choose a Moderator and Capt.
Nathaniel Cunningham being Nominated lie was Chose by a Handy
Vote.
A Letter from Christopher Kilby Esq'^. One of the Agents of
this Province at the Court of Great Britain relating to Abraham
Francis John Jones and Hannah his Wife Petitioning His Majesty
in Council for an Appeal from a Judgment Obtained against them
by the Town of Boston at the Superiour Court at Boston the
Second Tuesday of August A. D. 1738. was Read, and then a
Copy of the said Petition sent by Mr. Kilby was Read.
Voted a Grant of Eleven Thousand Pounds Bills of the Old
Tenor to be raised by a Tax upon Polls & Estates within the
Town of Boston for Relief of the Poor & defrejing other Necessary
Charges arising within and for the said Town the Year ensuing.
The Report of a Committee Appointed to Audit the Town Treas-
urers Accot'. for the Year past as Entred in the Treasurers Book
Read, Accepted and
Voted, That the Treasurer be (so far) accordingly Discharged.
Voted, That the following Gentlemen be a Committee for Audit-
ing the Town Treasurers Accounts for the Year ensuing, Vizt.
Hugh Hall Esq^
Abiel Walley Esq,.
Mr. James Allen
Mr. John Wheelwright
Mr. Ebenezer Holmes.
[497.] Voted, That the Sum of Two Hundred and Fifty
Pounds Bills of the Old Tenor be Allowed and paid to the Hon-
ourable Joseph Wadsworth Esq'", out of the Town Treasurj' for his
good Service as Town Treasurer the Year past.
The Town proceeded to Choose Six Grand Jurors and draw Ten
Petit Jurors out of the Box for July Court, as Entred in the Book
kept for that purpose.
Then the Town Meeting was Dismissed.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston dul}' Qualified and lawfully Warned in Town
Meeting Assembled on Monday the Thirty first Day of May. A.D.
1742.
Pra3'er was made b}' the Rev*^. Mr. William Cooper.
The Precept & Warrant for calling the Meeting. Read.
Sundry Laws Read.
The Honourable John Jeffries Esq^ One of the Select Men in
306 City Document No. 66.
their Name, Propos'd to the Inhabitants Assembled, Whether they
would proceed to the Choice of a Person to Serve for and Repre-
sent them in the Great and General Court or Assembly now Sitting,
in the Room of James Allen Esq"", who is Chose One of His Maj-
esties Council for this Province.
And it was Voted in the Affirmative.
And the Votes being Collected the Number of Voters were found
to be Four Hundred and Fourteen, but upon Sorting the Votes it
Appeared there was no Choice.
Wliereupon the Town immediately proceeded to bring in their
Votes again, and upon Sorting of 'em it Appeared that there was
Three Hundred & Ninety' Seven Voters, but no Choice, And tlien
the Town immediately proceeded to bring in their Votes again and
upon Collecting of them it Appeared there was Five Hundred and
Twelve Voters, & upon Sorting that Thomas Hutchinson Esq"^. was
Chosen by a Majority of Votes.
And then the Meeting was Dismissed.
[498.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston dulj" Qualified and lawfully Warned in Town
Meeting Assembled on Monday the Thirteenth Day of September,
Anno Domini, 1742.
Praj^er being made by the Rev*^. Dr. Joseph Sewall.
The Warrant for Calling the Meeting Read.
And then a Question was put, Whether the Town would proceed
to the Choice of a Moderator b\^ a Written Vote or a hand^^ Vote ?
& it passed for a Handy Vote, And The Honourable Thomas Cush-
ing Esq"", being Nominated, he was accordingl}'^ Chosen.
A Motion was made by Mr. Middlecott Cooke that the Town
would take into their Consideration some proper Method for the
better Government & Regulation of the North Writing School.
A Motion was made by the Honourable John Jeffries Esq'', that
the Thanks of the Town may be given to Peter Faneuil Esq'', for
his Noble and Generous Benefaction of the Market House to the
Town, and that a Committee ma}' be Chosen to draw up a Vote of
Thanks and present the same to the Town for their Approbation.
Thereupon,
Voted, That The Hon. Adam Winthrop Esq''.
Thomas Hutchinson PZsq".
The Hon. Edward Hutchinson Esq".
The Hon. Samuel Waldo Esq^ &
The Hon. Ezekiel Lewis Esq',
be the Committee for that purpose.
On a Motion made, A Question was put. Whether the Town will
have a Clerk of the Market Appointed ? And it was Voted in the
Affirmative, Also
Voted, That the Clerk of the Market shall be Appointed or
Chosen Annuall}" from and after the General Town Meeting in
March next.
[499.] And then the Honourable John Jeffries Esq''. Moved
that the Town would make an Offer to Peter Faneuil Esq"", that he
may have the Appointing the Clerk of the Market.
Boston Town Records, 1742. 307
And then it was Moved and Voted, that the Committee Ap-
pointed to draw up a Vote of Thanks to Peter Faneuil Esq^ forth-
with Withdraw into One of the Lobbej-s to do the same.
Then Moved and Voted, That the Select Men Wait on Peter
Faneuil Esq"", to Desire of him that he would Nominate a proper
Peison for a Clerk of the Market till the Annual Town Meeting in .
Marcli next.
The Committee Appointed to draw up a Vote of Thanks to Peter
Faneuil Esq^ for his Noble and Generous Benefaction of the
Market House to the Town, Presented the same which was Read,
and is in the Words following, Vizt.
Whereas Information was given to tliis Town at their Meeting
in Jul}', 1740. That Peter Faneuil Esq*", had been Generously
pleased to Offer at his own proper Cost & Charge to Erect and
Build a Noble and Compleat Structure or Edifice to be Improved
for a Market for the Sole Use Benefit and Advantage of the Town,
Provided the Town of Boston would pass a Vote for that pui'pose
and lay the same under such proper Regulations as shall be thought
NecGssar}' & Constantly Support it for the said Use, And Where-
as at the said Meeting it was=<letermined to Accept of the Offer or
Proposal aforesaid And Also Voted, That the Select Men should
be desired to Wait upon Peter Faneuil Esq^ and to present the
Thanks of this Town to him and also to Acquaint him. That the
Town have b}' their Vote come to a Resolution to Accept of his
Generous Offer of Erecting a Market House on Dock Square
according to his Proposal. And Whereas Peter Faneuil Esq'', has
in pursuance thereof at a very great Expence Erected a Noble
Structure far exceeding his first Proposal Inasmuch as it Contains
not only a large and Sufl3cient Accommodation for a Market place,
but has also Superadded a Spacious and most Beautiful Town
[500.] Hall over it, and Several other Convenient Rooms which
may prove very Beneficial to the Town for Oifices or otherwise And
the said Building being now Finished has delivered Possession
thereof to the Select Men for the Use of the Town.
It is therefore Voted, That the Town do with the Utmost Grati-
tude receive and Accept this most Generous and Noble Benefaction
for the Uses and Intentions thej^ are designed for, and do Appoint
The Honourable Thomas Gushing Esq"^. the Moderator of this
Meeting, The Honourable Adam Winthrop, Edward Hutchinson,
Ezekiel Lewis and Samuel Waldo Esq". Thomas Hutchinson Esq"^.
The Select Men and Representatives of the Town of Boston, The
Honourable Jacob Wendell Esq''. James Bowdoin Esq^ Andrew
Oliver Esq'. Capt. Nathaniel Cunningham, Peter Chardon Esq^.
and Mr. Charles Apthorp to Wait upon Peter Faneuil I^sq"". in the
Name of the Town to render him their Most heartj^ Thanks for
so Bountiful a Gift with their Prayers that this and other Expres-
sions of His Bounty & Charity ma}' be Abundantl}' Recompenced
with tlie Divine Blessing.
And then the Question was put, Whether the Town would Accept
of the same? And it was Uuanimousl}',
Voted, in the Affirmative, And the Gentlemen therein named
are Desired in the Name, and as a Committee of the Towu
308 City Document No. 6G.
to present the same unto the said Peter Faueuil Esq'', accord-
ingly.
And then a Motion was made b}' Thomas Hutchinson Esq^ that
in Testimony of the Towns Gratitude to the said Peter Faneuil
Esq^ and to perpetuate his Memory the Town would now pass a
Vole that the Hall over the Market place, be named Faneuil Hall,
and at all limes hereafter be called and known b}' that Name.
Which was accordingly Unanimousl\' Voted in the Affirmative.
And then a Motion was made by Mr. William Price that as a
further Testimony of the Towns Gratitude to the said Peter Fan-
euil Esq''. The Picture of the said [501.] Peter Faneuil Esq'', may
be drawn in full Length and placed in the said Hall, at the Expence
of the Town.
Which was also Unanimousl}- Voted in the Affirmative.
And the Select Men are desired to take Care that the same be
done accordingl}'.
Voted, That the Select Men be and hereby are Desired to draV
up Rules and Orders for Regulating the Market, and present the
same for the Towns Approbation at the Adjournment of this Meet-
ing.
Voted, That the Market be Opened the Twenty fifth Instant.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Fryday next at Three
o'clock in the Afternoon, at Faneuil Hall.
Fryday Afternoon, September. 17"'. 1742.
The Town being Assem''led according to Adjournment.
The Town proceeded to Choose Ten i*etit Jurors out of the Box
for October Court, as Eutred in the Book kept for that purpose.
The Committee Appointed to Wait on Peter Faneuil Esq'' with
the Vote of Thanks as Agieed to by the Town, Reported, they had
done so accordingly & he made Answer that it was an Honour
Show'd him by the Town he could not Expect, he hoped what he
had done would be for the Service of the whole Conntrey, and in a
particular manner of the Town of Boston, and that AVhenever it was
in his Power to Serve the Town he should be always ready to do it.
The Select Men who were desired to Wait on Peter Faneuil Esq'',
desiring him to Nom.inate a proper Person for a Clerk of the Mar-
ket, Reported that they had accordingly so done and he Nomi-
nated Mr. Thomas Jackson of Boston Merchant.
A Question was put. Whether the Town would proceed to the
Choice of a Clerk of the Market b}' a handy Vote?
[503.] And it passed in the Affirmative, And Mr. Thomas
Jackson who was Nominated by Peter Faneuil Esq^ being pro-
posed.
He was Unanimously Chosen.
The Select Men also Acquainted that they had "presented to
Peter Faneuil Esq'', a Copy of the Vote relating to the Drawing of
His Picture, which he took very kindly of the Town, and would
Sat any time to have the same done.
• A Motion was made that the Town would take into Consider-
ation the Salary or Allowance to be made or given to the Clerk of
the Market, After some Debate,
Boston Town Records, 1742. 309
It was Voted, That the same be refer'd to next March Meeting,
and as it is a Granting of Money, that the Select Men put it into
the Warrant and Notifications for calling the said Meeting.
The Honourable Joljn Jeffries Esq^ Communicated to the Town
a Letter the Select Men had received from His Excellency the
Governour, Setting forth that His Excellency had received His
Majesty's Picture, by virtue of a Warrant from My Lord Chamber-
lain & hath an Intention to make the Town of Boston a present of
it, to be hung up in Faneuil Hall, desiring the Select Men would
take a proper Opportunity of Communicating His Excellency's
said Intention to the Town Whereupon
It was Unanimously Voted, That the Honourable Adam Winthrop,
Samuel Waldo and Ezekiel Lewis Esq", be a Committee to draw up
a proper Vote of Thanks to liis Excellency for his great Goodness
and Generosity in making the said Present.
The Select IVJ^en presented to the Town a Draft of a By-Law for
the Regulation and Government of the Market, which was Read
and is in the Words following, Viz'.
[503. ] Whereas Peter Faneuil Esq^ has Erected a large and
Commodious House for a Market for the Use of the Town to be
Improved by them for a Publick Market under such Regulation as
the Town sh;dl think fit, And the Town having at a General
Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants called for that
purpose, September. 13'^ 1742. by their Vote Accepted of the
same.
Therefore for the Regulation & Government of the said Mar-
ket.
Its Voted and Ordered, That Mr. Thomas Jackson Merchant, be
and hereb}- is Constituted and Appointed Clerk of said Market,
until the Annual Meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitants in
March next, and until another be Appointed in his Room, and to
have and receive such Salary for his Service as shall be Voted b}'
the Town who is to give his Constant Attendance at the Opening
of the Market, and there Abide during the Continuation thereof and
take effectual Care that the Several Rules Oixlers and Directions for
Regulating, and more Orderly Carrying on of the Market, be duly
Observed and kept.
Ordered, That every Day in the Week, except Lord's Da3^ or
other Days Set a part by the Government for Religious Service be
a Market Da}', and that a Bell be daily Rimg at the Opening of
the Market which shall be at Sun Rise, thro' the whole Year from
which Hour till the Hour of One, Post Meridiem, Shall forever
hereafter be deemed and held Market Hours; And that if any
Huckster or Retailer shall make any previous Contract touching
the Buying any Provisions with any Seller or Buy the same
(Except for their Families Use) coming to the Market or in the
Market until One in the Afternoon shall for every such Offence
he'mcr duly Convicted thereof Pay the Sum of Twenty Shillings
Lawful Money.
And its further Ordered, That no Unwholsome Stail or Blown
Meat or Leperous Swine be Sold or exposed to Sale in saicT Mar-
ket under the Penalty' of Ten Shillings to be paid by every Offender
310 City Document No. QQ.
for every such [504.] Offence, And that the Clerk of the Market
for the time being shall take Care that the Laws of the Province,
And the Orders of the Town (legally Confirmed) respecting Un-
wholesome and Blown Meat, as also the Weighing & Measuring
of what is Sold, be Strictly Observed, and prosecute any Offender
or Offenders against the same.
And it also Ordered, That no Steelyards shall be naade Use of
in Weighing within the Limits of the Market, on Penalty of For-
feiting Five Shillings for every such Offence.
And it is further Ordered, That in Order to make the Market .
more Convenient.
That it be daily Swept and kept Clean & the Doors and Windows
Shut up at Sun Set, and that no Cart, Team, Horse, Wheelbarrow
nor any thing else that may incommode the Market shall be
Allowed to Stand or be near the Entrance of the Market place,
but shall be immediately removed upon the Direction of the Clerk
of the Market to the Owner or Occupyer of the same so to do,
under the Penalty of Five Shillings for refusal or Neglect there-
of.
Voted, That Whereas the Principal intent of said Market is to
Encourage and Accommodate the Countrey People who bring Pro-
visions into this Town for the more Plentiful Supplying of the
Inhabitants at the First hand with the same.
Its hereby Ordered, That none of the Butchers or any other
Persons who Buy within this Town to Sell again, shall at anj' time
bring into the Market House, or Expose to Sale there any Sort of
Necessary s or Provisions, and are hereby Excluded all Stalls and
Standings in the same.
Its farther Ordered, the Select Men of the Town be and hereby
are Appointed a Committee to take Care of the Repairs of the said
House, and from time to time to Apportion the Size Mark and
Number the Several Stalls therein and to Set or Let the same to
Persons desiring the same for the Benefit of the Town.
And if any Dispute or Disturbance be made or Arise [505.]
Between the Buyer and Seller as to Weight or Price Agreed for it
shall be Adjusted by the Clerk of the Market, And the Person re-
fusing Compl3'ance therewith shall be Ordered out of the Market
or Pay a Fine of Five ShiUings.
And its hereby Ordered, That all and every of the Forfeitures
and Penalties w'hich shall happen at any time hereafter to be
incurr'd and Forfeited by virtue of this B3'-Law, touching which no
particular Direction is heretofore given shall be One half to the
Informer the other to the Poor of the Town.
And its Ordered, That the Market shall be Odened on Saturday
the Twenty fifth of this present September, And that Notice thereof
be given in the Publick Prints of this Town.
This By-Law to be and Continue in Force until the Town shall find
it Convenient to disannull the same, and that the By-Law relating
to the Market made and passed by the Town at their Meeting the
Twenty fouilh day of April A. D. 1734 be and hereby is Disan-
nulled.*
After some Debate, Voted that the By-Law for regulating the
Boston Town RecoPvDS, 1742. 311
Market be Considered Paragraph by Paragraph, which was done
aud Voted as drawn up. — Also
Voted, That the Select Men be desired to present it to the Court
of G-eneral Sessions of the Peace, next to be holden at Boston for
the Count}' of Suffolk for their Approbation.
The Committee Appointed to draw up a Vote of Thanks to His
Excellenc}' the Governour, Reported that the}' had done the same,
which was Read and Accepted, being in the Words following,
Vizt.
Whereas His Excellency the Governour has been pleased to
Manifest his high Regard to this Town by making a present of
His Majesty's Picture to be Set up in Faneuil Hall, The Town are
deepl}' Sensible of the Great Honour His Excellency has therein
done them, and do therefore Order that a Committee be Appointed
to Wait upon [506.] His Excellency and in the Name of the
Town to Return Him their Most Humble Thanks for so Valuable
A present and to Assure His Excellency that it shall Alwa3's be
the Care & EndeaA-^our of this Town to do what in them lyes to
make his Excellencys Government Eas}' and Happ}-.
Unanimously Voted, That the same be Accepted, and that the
Honourable Thomas Cusliing Esq'", the Moderator of this Meeting,
The Honourable Adam Winthrop, Ezekiel Lewis and Samuel Waldo
Esq"., The Select Men and Representatives of the Town of Boston,
be a Committee in the Name of the Town to Wait on His Excel-
lency with a Cop3' of the same.
On the Motion made at the Opening of this Meeting by Mr.
Middlecott Cooke relating to the North Writing School.
Voted, That the same be refcr'd for further Consideration until
the Select Men who Visit the Schools make Report thereon.
Voted, That the Select Men of the Town be desired to dispose
of the Several Rooms and Apartments in the Market House, as
shall be most for the Benefit of the Town and Cause all the Books
Papers and Records of the Town to be removed into such of the
Lobbeys as they shall think proper & that the Town Clerks Office
be kept therein.
The Select Men Communicated to the Town a Letter they had
received from Christopher Kilby Esq"", bearing Date London
as also a Petition of Abraham Francis John Jones & Hannah his
Wife to His Majesty in Council, which were Read, but Nothing
done thereon.
Then the Meeting was Dismist.
[507.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston dul}' Qualified and lawfully Warned in Pub-
lick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monda}' the 27.
Day of December, 1742.
The Warrant for calling the Meeting Read.
And then a Question was put, Whether the Town would pro-
ceed to the Choice of a Moderator by a written Vote or a handy
Vote?
And it passed for a Handy Vote, And the Honourable Thomas
Cushing Esq^ being Nominated, he was accordingly Chosen.
312 City Document No. QG.
The three following Motions were made by Mr. Middlecott
Cooke, Vizt.
That some further Care ma}- be taken about the Law lately made
for Packing of Provisions.
That some Care be taken for the just Admeasurement of Cord
Wood.
And that some Care may be taken as to the Assize of Bread.
A Petition of Several Inhabitants of the Town (to the Select
Men) for making a further Representation of the Distressing Cir-
cumstances of the Town, and their Inability to Pa}' the Tax now
laid on them by the Honourable House of Representatives in Order
to Obtain some Redress in the Affair being Read, and after
a long Debate thereon
Voted, That the Select Men be desired in behalf of the Town
immediately to Petition the Honourable House of Representatives
that as a great part of the Personal Estate with their Trading Stock
and Faculty in the Countrey Towns is not Exhibited nor have they
Doomed them as We humbl}' Apprehend in proportion to what
they have, And the Inhabitants of this Town are Doomed for much
more than the}' have. That they would in their Wisdom & Justice,
Either make us a reasonable Abatement of the proportion they
have been pleased to Assign to Us and Charge the Several Coun-
trey Towns for what Personal Estate and Trading Stock and Fac-
ulty they really have altho' not brought in, or otherwise Allow Us
time for exhibiting Our Personal Estate with Trading Stock and
Faculty in the same manner the Countre}- Towns have done.
Accept the same from Us and State Our Proportion accordingly.
On the Motions made by Mr. Cooke at the Opening of the Meet-
ing.
Voted, That it be Recommended to the Gentlemen the Repre-
sentatives of the Town of Boston, to bring forward in the Great
and General Court, Laws for the more just Admeasurement of
Cord Wood, and Packing of Provisions, And also for the just
Assize of Bread Baked for Sale.
Then the meeting was Dismist.
[508.] Boston December. 27. 1742.
The following Petition was Drawn up, Signed & Presented by
the Select Men to the Honourable House of Representatives, ac-
cording to the Vote of the Town of this Day. Vizt.
To the Honourable House of Representatives of the Province of
the Massachusetts Ba,y in New England.
The Petition of the Select Men of the Town of Boston by Order
and in behalf of said Town.
Most Humbl}^ Sheweth,
That to Our great Grief We are informed that the Honourable
House have in their present Session Voted to increase Our Burden
. by Adding about Ten Pounds to Our Proportion of each Thousand
Pounds of the Province Tax, And as We humbl}^ Apprehend this
to have proceeded from a Mistaken Opinion which the Honourable
Members have Conceived of the present State and Condition of the
Town We beg Leave to Represent to the Honourable House,
Boston Town Records, 1742. 313
That Our Xumbers are decreased, Our Trade is declining, Our
Estates are lessened, Our Poor are increased and Our Necessary
Expences in Our Families are daily growing upon Us, tliough this
last mentioned Difficulty which proceeds from the Price of Provis-
sions being much Advanced We Submit to with the greater Chear-
fulness because what in this Respect is a Loss to Us in the Town
is a gain to Our Brethren of the Countrej^ where the Provissions are
Raised.
We readih' Acknowledge it to be Difficult to Determine the
exact Proportion of the Town to the Countrey tho' We humbly
Apprehend the present Disproportion may be made Apparent and
indeed some of Our Wealthier Inhabitants have alread}'^ Left the
Town that the}' may pay less Taxes in the Countrey and others
are preparing to follow them.
We beg Leave to lay before the Honourable House the Vote of
the Town in which they express their Willingness that their true
State and Condition should be known as exactl3'as possible. And
We humbly Pray the Honourable House to take this Vote and Our
Distressed Circumstances into their Wise Consideration and to
Afford us such Relief as to their Wisdom shall seem meet And
Your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray &c.
John Jeffries
Alex^. Forsyth
Jonas Clarke i o i <. tit
rri TT y Select Men,
Thomas Hancock
MiDDLECOTT CoOKE
John Steel
[This ends the record for the year 1742, and this point is
chosen to terminate the present volume. — W.H.W.]
INDEX OF NAMES.
Adams, 2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 13, 16, 18, 19, 22, 24,
26, 2T, 34, 35, 36, 38, 54, 58, 84, 95, 98, 99,
104, 114, 115, 150, 151, 155, 157, 168, 190,
194, 210, 222, 224, 229, 231, 234, 244, 248,
253, 254, 264, 266, 267, 269, 275, 278, 287,
289.
Alcock, 161.
Alexander, 194.
Alford, 7, 8, 41, 49.
f Allen, 56, 59, 62, 99, 109, 113, 157, 158, 173,
j 195, 201, 20 i, 208, 211, 212,219, 225, 243,
J 244, 230, 257, 263, 265, 267, 276, 281, 283,
i 284, 290, 291, 294, 295, 297, 305, 306.
I Allin, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 39, 103, 187.
[ Allvn, 210.
Alley Bell, 132.
Aptliorp, 105, 224, 307.
Arbulhnot, 195.
Arinltage, 38, 49, 55, 61, 67, 72, 73, 79, 84, 88,
96, 109, 113, 126, 143, 149, 152, 163, 164,
168, 169, 171, 179, 181, 184, 186, 187, 188,
209, 213, 220, 221, 242, 243, 245, 246, 256.
Armstrong, 5, 18, 21.
Atkins, 180.
Auchmuty, 112.
Audcbert, 155.
Avery, 154, 185.
Ayres, 28, 29, 40, 99, 244.
I Babbage, 28.
iBabbidee, 99, 111,191.
Baker, 1,'"2, 5, 60, 66, 89, 132, 217.
Ballantine, 95.
4BaUard, 78, 247.
Balstou, 118, 124, 250, 273.
Band, 247.
Barber, 3, 30, 53, 59,96, 123, 134, 142, 158, 167,
182, 191, 208, 216, 218, 242, 245, 266, 288.
Barker, 185.
Barnard, 38, 99, 128, 133, 157, 190, 212, 244,
266, 289, 290.
Barntt, 3, 28, 30.
) Barrel, 11.
) Barren, 263.
\ Barrel, 30, 158, 181.
I Barrett, 287.
Barricado, The, 25.
Barron, 85.
Barton, 286.
Bass, 193, 197.
Batry, South, 22, 25.
Battery, The 60, 248, 253, 254, 300.
North, 6, 9, 60, 62, 63, 76, 80, 243,
256, 262, 264, 271, 297, 300.
Bouth, 77, 243, 253, 256, 271, 287, 293,
295, 297, 300, 302, 303, 305.
Old South, 60, 63.
Battrey North, 26.
Battry, The, 25.
Baxter, 214.
Bayard, 57.
Baylic, 3.
Beach, The, 103.
Beard, 41.
Bedgood, 1, II, 18, 28, 37, 38, 49, 54, 55, 74, 76,
89, 96, 114, 133, 134, 130, 148, 149, 150, 152,
155, 184,211, 245, 203, 269, 286, 2S7, 288.
Beech, The, 103, 132.
Beer, 99.
Beers, 286.
Beighton, 12.
Beknap, see Belknap.
Belcher, 10, 66, 76, 79, 87, 116, 119, 150,
205 232 275.
(Belkna'p^'i, 13, 56, 182, 189, 215, 242,
] 249, 262, 267, 270, 277, 292.
( Beknap, 4.
Bellingham, 207, 208.
( Benuet, 129, 157, 189, 247.
{ Bennett, 267.
( Bennit, 40.
Beteilhe, 189, 219.
Bethune, 210.
Bill, 78, 103, 127, 182, 187, 291.
Billings, 5, 28, 39, 182, 203, 204.
Blackader, 191.
Blackston, 107.
Blake, 28,151,152.
Blanchard, 95, 127, 156, 182, 185, 211,
266, 288.
Bleigh, 102.
Blin, 4, 14.
Blore see Blower.
( Blower, 57.
) Blore, 13.
Blowers, 154, 219.
Boardman, 185, 216.
Bongarden, 56.
Borland, 182.
Boss, 40, 45.
Bots, 37.
Boucher, 56, 78, 100, 129, 156, 157, 189,
247, 267.
Bourn, 156.
Boutineau, 186.
Bowdoin, 57, 60, 62, 75, 132,139, 162, 166,
189, 230, 248, 269, 286, 307.
Bowles, 112, 114, 116, 290.
Box, 286.
Boylston, 31, 34, 36, 37, 129, 214.
Bradford, 30, 56, 60, 156, 185.
I Brasier, 154.
j Brazier, 38, 186.
Breck, 153, 157, 190.
Brentnal, 96, 97.
I Bridewel, 159, 160.
/ Bridewell, 240.
Bridge, 13, 19, 39.
Bridge, The Mill, 5, 132.
Swing, 21.
Bridgham, 181, 294.
Brimmer, 38.
Brintnal, 127.
British America, 120.
Briton, 54, 61, 80, 82, 86.
Brittin, 29.
Britton, 83.
Brocas, 266.
Bromficld, 20, 22, 27, 32, 35, 36, 38, 49
67, 72, 73, 79, 84, 88, 96, 109, 113,
130, 152, 181, 184, 195, 203, 208, 211,
225, 245, 251, 257, 263, 265, 266, 276,
284,286,291,294.
Bromield, 24.
Bronsdon, 56.
Brooks, 19, 26, 32, 34.
Brown, 219, 244.
Brustor, 13.
Buckley, 16, 28, 38, 58, 06, 127, 156, 186,
202, 211, 243, 245, 247, 200, 288.
177,
244,
215,
,65,
135,
219,
279,
191,
316
City Document No. 66.
Bulflnch, 57.
Bulkley, 128.
Buryingplace The, 7, 58, 160, 102, 166, 167,
176, 191.
Old, 208, 215, 250.
South, 48, 60, 142, 166,
188, 250.
Butler, 20, 39.
Buttolph, 13, 19.
Byles, 15, 126, 155, 261, 265.
Cade, 211, 263.
Calef, 100, 145, 158, 181, 187, 190.
Callender, 3.
Cambridge, 281.
Campbel, 12.
Cape Breton, 233.
Carnes, 56.
Carolina, North, 120.
South, 120.
Carter, 28, 39, 56, 157, 212, 290.
Carver, 56, 100, 129, 158P.
Gary, 13, 19, 39, 267.
Casuo, 20, 153.
Castle William, 272, 274, 275.
Ca'^wa.ll 129
) Chamberlain, 53, 95, 98, 126, 130, 185.
I Chamberlin, 2, 14, 27, 38.
Chambers, 37, 40, 250, 268.
Chandler, 38, 125.
Channel, Fort Point, 62, 63, 75, 77.
ChardoD, 97, 307.
Charles, 287, 288.
Charnock, 189.
\ Chauncey, 83.
/ Chaunoy, 218, 246.
Checkley, 1,11, 16, 18, 27, 37, 61, 62, 75, 95,
125, 130, 135, 147, 161, 172, 181, 187, 192,
246.
( Cheever, 27, 36, 38, 135, 136, 152, 181, 184,
\ 211, 245, 263, 279, 286, 290.
( Chever, 3, 12, 18, 25, 26.
Chub, 147.
Church Green, 62, 65, 161.
Church, The Brick, 284.
Old North, 98.
Brick, 288.
f Clark, 1, 3, 6, 9, 18, 19, 20, 28, 38, 56, 58, 62,
94, 95, 96, 99, 100, 101, 103, 107, 119, 131,
136, 137, 145, 153, 156.
Clarke, 11, 12, 14, 104, 127, 143, 149, 152, 153,
163, 164, 168, 169, 171, 179, 181, 182, 184,
186, 187, 188, 209, 213, 220, 221, 242, 243,
252, 253, 256, 262, 265, 279, 282, 285,292,
313.
Clear, 39, 61, 210, 211.
Clewly, 295, 302.
Clough, 15, 16, 20, 42, 44, 263.
{ Cobbet, 20.
} Cobbit, 7.
Coburne, 286.
Codner, 289.
Coelson, 188.
Coit, 247.
Coffin, 15, 28, 39, 100, 181, 247, 291.
Collings, 20, 29, 30.
Collison, 184.
f CoUson, 72, 73, 79, 88, 96, 97, 109, 113, 128,
J 149, 152, 179, 181, 186, 187, 188, 209,213,
1 221, 243, 245, 246, 247, 267, 270, 279.
LColson, 9, 39, 49, 55, 67, 84.
Colman, 6, 12, 37, 40, 48, 49, 58, 75, 115, 182,
232.
Colson, see Collson.
Colton, 38.
Common The, 5, 9, 54, 58, 59, 64, 75, 77, 78, 83,
84, 126, 132, 133, 141, 142, 143,
191, 209 215, 216, 218, 220, 221,
222, 230, 248.
Boston, 133.
Comon The, 1, 4, 7, 9.
Compton, 21, 194.
Concord, 125.
Condy, 6, 8, 11, 265.
Coniball, 39.
f Cook, 2, 7, 14, 16, 18, 22, 27, 42.
■ Cooke, 1, 6, 7, 8, 10, 14, 16, 17, 21, 23, 24,
26, 31, 32, 37, 42, 48, 50, 53, 54, 55, 75, 77,
78, 79, 83, 85, 88, 89, 91, 93, 94, 95, 105,
106, 112, 116, 118, 124, 125, 126, 137, 138,
I 145, 149, 151, 159, 161, 162, 165, 112, 173,
174, 222, 229, 245, 252, 253, 262, 265, 279,
t 285, 292, 299, 306, 311, 312, 313.
Cookson, 154, 266.
Cooper, 42, 52, 174, 182, 183, 212, 246, 284,305.
Copeland, 30, 40.
Cordis, 182, 211.
Corner Boucher's, 132.
Bradford's, 132.
Bull's, 103.
Byle's, 132.
Cox's, 132.
Gee's, 131.
Peirce's, 132.
Penniman's, 132.
Cornish, 187.
Corser, 27.
County of Suffolk, 50, 51, 67, 72, 82, 90, 95,
98, 112, 116, 118, 129, 136, 137, 141,
142, 156, 186, 195, 197, 201, 207, 211,
246, 263, 269, 280, 286, 304, 311.
Middlesex, 50.
Court, Southack's, 132.
Ooverly, 288.
I) Cowdery, 83, 84, 91.
I Cowdrey, 130.
I Cowel, 84, 99, 129, 158, 190, 257, 290.
; Cowell, 83, 212, 244, 263, 267, 301.
Cox, 13.
I Craddock, 26, 103, 105, 135.
I Ci-adock, 40.
Cravath, 97, 105, 247.
Creek Mill, 132, 139, 247.
Crodock, 30, 35.
Crosby, 39.
Crow, 246.
Crowninshield, 68.
Cunnabel, 56.
f Cunningham, 4, 22, 30, 32, 34, 40, 41, 42,
48, 49, 50, 52, 57, 59, 61, 62, 65, 69, 78, 80,
I 94, 105, 114, 118, 119, 124, 126, 138, 143,
J 145, 147, 173, 175, 178, 195, 197, 201, 203,
") 208, 219, 222, 224, 229, 232, 234, 241, 262,
I 275, 285, 294, 299, 304, 305, 307.
I Cuningham, 8, 24.
(.Cunnigham, 7.
Cushing, 7, 8, 10, 13, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 25, 31,
32, 40, 42, 79, 83, 91, 106, 112, 114, 118,
119,125,138, 143, 145, 165, 181, 183, 187,
190, 192, 193, 194, 197, 202, 203, 208, 210,
218, 219, 225, 229, 231, 243, 257, 258, 261,
265, 266, 276, 280, 284, 294, 295, 298, 304,
306, 307, 311.
Cussens, 185, 191.
Custis, 13.
Cutler, 56, 132, 215, 289.
Dabney, 263, 265, 287.
Damer, 30.
I Darington, 19.
} Darrington, 290.
\ Barrel, 136, 251.
I Darroll, 140, 255, 280, 283, 291.
Darrington see Darington.
Dastom, 13.
Davenport, 59, 182.
Davis, 29, 263.
Dawson, 3, 12, 20, 29, 39, 56, 99, 128, 157, 187.
Day, 3, 20.
Deal, 14.
Decostor, 217, 247.
Dedhara, 50, 51.
Deering, 32.
Dering, 7, 8, 12, 13, 28, 32, 34, 38, 42, 55, 61,
66, 96, 114, 134, 136, 152, 180, 184, 211,
214, 224.
Damming, 246.
Demmon, 3.
Index or Names.
317
Dennic, 189, 216.
Dering see Deering.
Dockbead, The, 139.
Dock, The, 5, 15, 31, 46, 49, 50, 52, 55, 132,
139, 171, 202.
Oliver's, 132.
Town, 6, 23,44, 45, 46,48, 65, 70,80,
81, 93, 102, 103, 105, 118, 119, 131,
1C3, 259, 304.
Dodge, 2, 12, 13, 23, 39, 56, 99, 128, 184, 189.
Dolbeare, 102, 183, 211.
Dorenton, 30.
Dorr, 133.
Dorrington, 212.
Douglas, 61.
rDown,49.
j Downe, 27, 34, 35, 36, 38, 55, 64, 67, 68, 69,
i 70, 72, 73, 79, SO, 84, 88, 96, 109, 113, 12G,
t 127, 158, 181, 184, 211, 245, 263, 279, 236.
J Downes, 56.
j Downs, 13.
Draper, 132.
Drinker, 154.
Drowne, 232, 248, 254, 255, 258, 262, 264, 269,
287, 293, 298, 302, 303.
Dudley, 95, 151, 280.
Dummer, 246.
Duncan, 246.
Dupce, 12, 39, 128.
Duraut, 4, 35, 36, 37.
Durcll, 57, 59.
Dwight, U5, 153.
( Dyar, 39.
\ Dyer, 217.
( Dyre, 100.
Earle, 248.
J Eastwick, 126.
I Eastwioke, 143, 149.
Eayres, 154, 192, 252, 236, 289.
Edwards, 53, 157, 215, 247, 286.
Eliot, 3, 44, 48, 43, 64, 68, 69, 139, 151, 156,
132,185,193.
Emerson, 3, 00, 152, 137, 244.
J Emmans, 4.
) Emmons, 94, 189, 244, 251.
Emms, 2.
(Eadicot, 12, 28, 39, 56, 99, 128.
] Endi'-ott, 12, 13.
( Endicut, 157.
England, 50.
Erviag, 182.
Europe, 79, 87, 120, 233.
I EusUs, 3, 27, 29, 39, 56.
JEustus, 19.
»Everell,204.
\ Everill, 48, 94, 131, 184, 203.
Fairfield, 2S8.
j Faneull, 183, 259, 260, 306,307, 308, 309.
I Fanuel, 27.
Farnum, 1. 11, 30, 32, 158.
Fayc;weatbcr, 112, 118, 136, 140, 189, 269, 298.
J Fearfield, 41.
I Ficrileld, 19.
Fcnwick,288.
Ferry, The, S3, 83, 89.
Charlostown, lOi, 131.
Winisimet, 85, 188.
Winnisimet, 105, 107, 183, 189, 206.
Flerfleld, see Fcarfiell.
Fillebrowne, 287.
Fisher, 13, 54, 53, 84.
Fitch, 1, 2, 4, 14, 15, 18, 25, 26, 27, 34, 35, 36,
39, 40, 41, 50, .51, 54, 53, 57, 53, 60, 02, 64,
05, 03, 75, 80, 8.1, 91, 97, 100, 102, 145, 191.
Flagg, 13, 181,217,244.
Flats, The, 63, 03, 77. 103.
Flatts, The, 25, 26, 275, 281.
Town, 287.
Fletcher, 38, 210.
Flower, 22.
Flov/'-r.-*, 128, 101.
Fl.-yd, 13, 55, 07, 15J, 185, 191, 257.
fForesyth, 27.
■ Forsyt, 73.
Forsyth, 55, 67, 72, 73, 79, 84, 88, 96, 109,
113, 126, 143, 149, 152,163,164, 168, 169,
171, 179, 181,184, 186, 137, 188, 209,213,
L 221, 242, 243, 246, 256, 262, 235, 235, 313.
Foster, 3, 12, 19, 28, 39, 56, 85, 99, 102, 128,
134, 154, 157, 181, 182, 190, 212, 244, 266,
287, 239.
Fowle, 290.
Foxcroft, 10, 54, 183.
Foye, 291.
France, 72.
Francis, 304, 305, 311.
Franklin, 12, 37.
j Frizel, 11.
) Frizzel, 217.
Frizwell, 31.
Frizzel, see Frizel.
Frost, 150.
Furney, 158.
Gale, 1S6, 217.
Galpin, 17, 21.
Gamberto, 59, 101.
Gardner, 3, 39, 53, 56, 94, 97, 100, 103, 104, 129,
152, 157, 1S9, 215, 247, 266, 290.
Garner, 30.
Gatoombe, 183.
Gedney, 158, 247.
Gee, 17, 95, 183, 187.
Gerrard, 39.
Gerrish, 26, 54, 96, 126, 130, 151, 181, 184, 190,
209, 243, 261, 267, 230.
Getchell, 4.
Gibb, 37.
Gibbins, 128.
Gibbon, 68, 69, 189, 210, 247.
Gibbs, 13, 19, 30, 37, 39, 40, 48, 53, 54, 58, 61,
91, 92, 98, 129, 243, 251, 286, 289.
Gibson, 94, 95, 101, 131, 151, 154, 247.
\ Giles, 20.
/ Gyles, 13, 141.
Gill, 15.
( Goff, 43, 53.
} Goffo, 98.
Gold, 127.
Goidthwait, 99, 131, 183, 242, 251, 257, 263, 271,
277, -280, 234, 239.
I Gooch, 97, 151, 169, 183.
/ Gouch, 1, 3.
Gooding, 4, 194, 270, 291.
Goodridge, 4, 189.
Goold, 49.
Gording, 2.
Gouch, see Gooch.
Grainery, The, 6, 7, 10, 15, 17, 21, 37, 41, 42.
New, 15, 17.
Granary, The, 01, 95, 102, 126, 153, 160, 161,
162, 165, 166, 175, 176, 137, 133,
191, 209, 214, 215, 217, 220, 240,
262, 268, 270, 285, 288, 292, 294.
North, 214.
Towns, 133.
Grant, 28, 38, 131, 272.
Gray, 100, 129, 154, 182, 191, 262, 266,267, 276,
232.
Great Britain, 10, 49, 51, 72, 87, 223, 234, 211,
201, 301, 305.
fGreen, 4,8, 10,13, 14, 15, 21, 23,40, 84, 97,
J 93, 153, 161, 162, 181, 183, 190, 194, 212,
1 244, 251, 255, 263, 267, 290, 299.
1. Greene, 183.
( Greenleaf, 58, 159, 233, 240, 262, 265, 290.
< Greenleafo, 39.
( Greenlief, 2, 3.
Greenough, 89, 128, 141, 244, 288.
Greenwood, 1, 5, 11, 18, 28, 33, .55, 96, 100,
104, 114, 134, 138, 140, 152, 184, 211, 217,
291.
Gridley, 14, 22, 63, 97, 153, 190, 212, 215, 244,
26J, 267, 280, 282, 289, 290.
Griffin, 185,236.
(Jriggs, 32.
318
City Document No. 6Q.
Grouard, 99, 190.
Gunter, 57.
Gyles, see Giles.
( Hacey, 14,
\ Hascy, 55, 97, 127, 153, 155, 185.
( Hasy, 38.
Haislup, 183, ISS.
Hall, 20, 22, 41, 78, 195, 224, 234, 283, 305.
Hall Faneuil, 308, 309, 311.
HaHawell,133.
Hallowell, 180.
Halsey, 194.
Haiyburtou, 267, 289.
Hammock, 128.
Hancock, 27, 50, 54, 58, 147, 148, 149, 151, 154,
181, 245, 262, 205, 279, 282, 285, 292, '313.
Hannahs, 2.
Hardcastlc, 41.
Harris, 2, 191, 269.
Harrison, 290.
Hart, 133.
Hartshorne, 217.
Hasey, see Hacey.
Hasley, 4.
Hastings, 246.
Hasy, see Hacey.
Hatch, 61, 62, 252, 288.
Hatter, 19.
Hawdeu, 131.
Hawdiug, 155, 182, 246.
Hayes, 288.
Hayle, 41.
Hayley, 27.
Hay ward, 181.
Headwin, 15.
Heath, 179.
( Holier, 19.
Helyer, 190, 212, 244, 267, 290.
Henchman, 14, 135, 136, 152, 159, 162, 181, 184,
186, 192, 202, 211, 230, 245, 248, 263, 279,
281 286
Henderson, 27, 39, 57, 60.
Henly, 5.
Henshaw, 97, 154.
Hickling, 154.
Hicks, 37, 40, 95, 101, 165, 170, 257, 258, 262,
274, 279, 295, 297.
Highway, The, 1, 4, 9, 93, 103, 104, 106, 107,
109, 112, 113, 1,2, 168, 266, 277, 282, 283,
284, 298.
Hill, 12, 30, 38, 55, 56, 78, 96, 100, 103, 108,
109, 113, 133, 135, 136, 152, 180, 184, 211,
245, 247, 262, 263, 267, 274, 279, 282, 286.
Hill,The, 132, 133.
Fort, 6i, 84, 243, 248, 249, 253, 254, 255, 257,
262, 264, 285, 236, 287, 292, 293, 295, 302.
Fox, 126, 165, 173, 175, 176.
Hobhs, 212, 244, 267, 290.
{ Hodgden, 18, 28.
/ Hodgdon, 99, 128, 157, 212, 244, 267, 290.
Ilolbrook, 130, 258, 268.
Holland, 246.
HoUoweJl, 5.
Holmes, 155, 211, 305.
Holyoke, 5, 13, 20, 29, 41, 58, 75, 76, 95, 100,
101, 129, 193, 201, 202, 215.
Hoyoke, 83.
Homer, 19, 39.
Hood, 29.
Hooker, 258, 262, 268, 284, 291.
Hooper, 213, 241,243.
Hooton, 193, 195, 215.
Hopkinston, 125.
Houden, 27.
Hough, 4.
Houghton, 56, 152, 155.
House, Almes, 16, 108.
Alms, 111, 113, 114, 115, 121, 122, 237,
270, 276, 278, 279, 281, 295.
Court, 241, 261.
Gun, 83, 84, 142, 143.
North Market, 172.
of Correction, 11, 159
House, Powder, 209, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221,
222, 243, 250, 252.
Public Meeting, 54, 62, 161, 259.
Old North Meeting, 44, 45, 46, 48, 65,
70, 80, 81, 102, 139.
South Meeting, 97.
Sconce, 297, 298.
Town 1, 6, 10, 16, 17, 18, 21, 24, 25,26,
31, 35, 37, 40, 4-2, 48, 50, 52, 53, 54,
62, 68, 69, 74, 80, 85, 88, 91, 93, 94,
95, 99, 105, 106, 107, 112, 116, 118,
121, 125, 137, 139, 141, 147, 149, 151,
101, 164, 173, 174, 183, 192, 203, 208,
218, 229, 231, 241, 243, 258, 260, 261,
268, 284, 303, 305.
West Meeting, 209, 213.
Work, 159, 160, 162, 165, 166, 167, 172,
175, 176, 188, 191, 230, 231, 234, 235,
240, 248, 251, 252, 273, 276.
How, 154, 189, 247.
Howard, 158.
{ Howel, 19,
) Howell, 183, 186.
Hoyoke, see Holyoke.
Hubbard, 2, 19, 39, 74, 96, 114, 133, 135, 136,
152, 159, 176, 180, 184, 211,215, 242,244,
245, 263, 267, 275, 276, 278, 279, 282, 286,
290, 295, 303.
Hubbart, 182.
Uunniwell, 217.
Hunt, 1, 11, 14, 19, 20, 28, 38, 41, 55, 96, 114,
129, 134, 136, 152, 180, 186,211, 214, 215,
245, 283, 279, 286, 287.
Hurd, 28, 182.
Hutchinson, 4, 10, 13, 15, 23, 40, 46, 50, 51, 52,
57, 59, 60, 69, 75, 80, 103, 104, 119, 135,
145, 152, 159, 162, 163, 164, 16% 168, 169,
171, 174, 175, 179, 182, 184, 186, 187, 188,
' 192, 193, 195, 197, 202, 209, 210, 212, 213,
220, 221, 223, 224, 230, 231, 234, 243, 246,
248, 250, 256, 257, 259, 261, 265, 272, 273,
281, 299, 304, 306, 307, 308.
Inches, 12, 18, 28, 39, 56, 244, 267, 290.
{ Indicot, 190.
I Indicott, 19, 212, 244, 266, 275, 278, 289, 299.
Ingersoll, 287, 298.
Ingraham, 202, 212, 244, 277, 282.
Ireland, 72, 287.
Island Castle, 272, 274, 275.
Deer, 295, 303.
Governours, 272, 274, 275.
Hog, 206.
Noddles, 206.
Jackson, 1, 11, 18, 28, 29, 30, 38, 55, 59, 63, 97,
100, 129, 132, 180, 220, 249, 251, 255, 270,
272, 308, 309.
Jarvis, 20.
Jefi'ers, 7.
Jeflries, 20, 30, 38, 49, 53, 55, 67, 72, 73, 79,
84, 88, 96, 109, 113, 125, 126, 137, 143, 152,
153, 157, 164, 165,167, 168, 169, 171, 179,
181, 184, 186, 187, 188, 189,209, 210,213,
218, 220, 221, 229, 231, 241, 242, 243, 246,
252, 253, 256, 259, 262, 265, 276, 279, 282,
284, 285, 292, 294, 305, 306, 309, 313.
Jeflfs, 129.
Jenkins, 29, 191.
Jepson, 3.
Johnson, 41, 154, 247.
t Johonet, 20.
j Jolionnot, 263, 265.
Jones, 13, 29, 125, 147, 152, 190, 212, 289, 304,
305, 311.
Kedgell, 246.
J Keneday, 57.
I Kennedy, 151.
Kent, 55, 103, 105, 127.
Kenwood, 99, 182.
Keyes, 125, 147, 158, 172, 182.
I Kilbey, 28.
j Kilby, 128, 219, 224, 225, 231, 211, 304, 305,
311.
Index of Names.
319
Kilcup, 194:.
Kiilcop, 20, 27.
( Kneeland, 11, 14, 29, 156, 175, 179, 180, 183,
} 189, 245, 249, 253.
( Kneland, 19, 21.
Knight, 3, 182.
( Laith, 2.
( Laithe, 127.
Lambert, 157, 189, 215, 263.
Laue, ISi.
Lane Beer, 126, 131, 151, 154, 168, 169.
Blind, 133.
Cold, 5, 6, 132.
Cow, 133.
Foster, 132.
Frog, S3, 84, 88, 89.
Green, 27, 29, 95, 126, 131, 132, 151, 154,
169, 170.
Hawkiu's, 132.
Henchman's, 132.
Horn, 132.
Kneeland's, 132.
Mackarel, 132.
Pond, 133.
Rawsou's 132, 133.
Wing's, 132.
Wood, 132, 151, 154, 168, 169, 173, 191,
193, 195, 202.
Langdon, 15, 20, 181, 267.
Lash, 39.
Laughton, 286.
Leasonby, 2.
Leathe, 14.
LeDain, 263.
Lee, 2, 3, 12, 29, 38, 39, 57, 60, 62, 64, 74, 84,
85, 136, 140, 148, 149, 150, 153, 155, 210.
Leech, 30.
LeFort, 15.
Legg, 99.
Levenston, 97.
J Leveret, 4, 25.
I Leverett, 290.
Lewes, 214.
Lewis, 2, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 22, 23, 25, 38,
40, 104, 105, 135, 158, 195, 213, 265, 306,
307, 309, 311.
« Lillie, 37, 66, 67, 68, 69, 80, 212.
( Lilly, 30, 36.
Limbrey, 57.
Linehan, 57.
Little, 23, 38, 56.
Lloyd, 211, -295, 303.
London, 121, 122, 311.
Loring, 3, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 24, 26, 28, 38, 58,
6.3, 64, «6, 127, 156, 182, 185, 186, 189, 193.
{ Lovel, 31,86.126,130,138.
i Lovell, 3J, 36, 183, 189, 295, 297.
Lowdon, 39.
Lowder, 210, 265.
Lowell, 290.
Lucas, 13.
Ludirate, 131.
Lutwyche, 244, 246.
Lym;in, 3, 12, 19, 28, 127, 149, 152, 163, 164,
168, 169, 171, 181, 184, 186, 187, 188, 209,
213, 220, 221, 242, 243, 246, 252, 253, 256,
262, 265, 279, 282, 285, 292,
Lynn, 106.
Maccarty, 182,
Mackdanicl, 29,
Main, 31, 33, 44.
March, 100.
Marchant, 244.
Marion. 19, 35, 36, 37, 45, 48, 49, .52, 54, 55,
61, 66, 83, 84, 86, 89, 92. 94, 95, 98, 102,
103, 105, 107, 108, 109, 112, 113, 114, IIH,
126, 131, 173, 181, 183, 192, 203, 205, 208,
209, 217, 219, 222, 223, 248, 254, 255, 264,
285 , 287, 233, 304.
Marish The, 59.
MarishcB, The, 54.
Market Middle, 134.
Market North, 102, 134, 170, 172.
South, 102, 107, 134, 170, 171, 172.
I Marshal, 59.
I Marshall, 3,128, 152, 212.
Marsh, The, 5, 9, 126, 165, 264.
Rumner, 55, 71, 82, 95, 96,97,98,103,
105, 106, 107, 126, 127, 129, 130,
132, 151, 153, 158, 183, 185, 190,
191, 193, 194, 203, 205, 206, 207,
208 257 258
Rumny, 1, 2, lKl4, 18,'27, 31, 38, 44, 48, 50,
5'^ 53 58 154
Mason, 3,'5, 20, 27, 56, 125, 141, 194, 244, 267,
290.
Massachusetts, 33, 44, 177.
Mather, 106, 213, 256.
Martyn, 185, 286.
Maxwell, 127.
May, 99, 128, 157, 187, 212, 244, 267, 290,
Maycomb, 7.
Maylem, 128.
MciSTeal, 267.
Medfield, 50.
Melecan, 19.
Millidge, 266.
( Melvell, 4.
} Melvil, 91,
Mendon, 50.
Menzies, 270.
i Merrett, 2.
} Merrit, 13.
Messenger, 252.
I Metcalf, 50.
} Metcalfe, 50.
Miller, 11, 151, 290.
Milliken, 103.
Mills, 6, 7,36,41.
Minot, 26, 152, 154, 152, 286.
Mitchel, 4.
Moberly, 3, 12, 19,30, 39, 56, 99, 128, 157, 190,
212, 244, 266, 289, 295, 304.
( Moffat, 7.
) Moffatt, 4, 233,234.
Mollineaux, 287.
Monk, 39, 100, 129, 189, 215, 263.
Moore, 172, 299, 304.
More, 30, 39, 56, 99, 128, 193.
Morey, 262, 269.
Morris, 158.
Mors, 50.
Morse, 50.
Mortimer, 161.
Mortimore, 20.
Mostatt, 13.
Moulin, 83, 84,262,268.
Mountfort, 132.
Mower, 39.
( Neal, 5, 56, 212, 247,
) Neale, 39.
Neck, The, 139, 141, 259, 262, 264, 268, 283,
298.
Boston, 107.
Needham, 194, 249.
Negus, 97.
New England, 67, 72, 119, 124, 232, 312.
Newfoundland, 120.
Newman, 189.
Nickerson, 280, 282.
Nowell, 290.
Noyce, 37,
Oakes, 5,6,7.
Oglethorp, 49. .
Olive, 20.
Oliver, 1,11, 18, 20, 22, 25, 59,63,106, 158, 162,
1S1, 182, 223, 224, 230, 243, 245, 248, 249,
253, 2.)4, 203, 279, 286, 287, 307.
Orsborn, sec Osborn.
Osb.-ind; 14.
r Osborn, 16, 18, 38.
J Ornborn, 27.
( Osborne, 78, 166, 18G, 259.
Otis, 192.
320
City Document No. 66.
Oven, 40.
Owen, 30, 131, 181, 216.
Oxford, 50.
Oxuard, 57.
Paddock, 105.
rase, 39.
( i'aiu 1-2. 14, 19, 30, 61, 190, 212.
JPaiDe, 39, 56,99, 128, 15T, 216, 244, 266,
( 289.
palmer, 40, 46, 48, 55, 57, 61, 65, 69, 80, 91, 92,
100, 126, 131, 259.
Parker, 29, 103, 104, 136, 140, 145, 152, 175, 176,
190, 193, 194, 211, -.^23, 245, 270, 279, 288.
Parkman, 19, 20, 30, 83, 84, 85, 88, 89, 98, 154,
215, 247, 2S5, 287.
Parott, 74, 89.
Parrott, 74.
Pasture, Eltne, 34.
Patten, 263.
I Patteshall, 267.
I Pattishall, 19.
Pearce, see Peivce.
Pearsou, 156.
Peck 15.
Pecker, 13, 19, 53, 59, 83, 86,96, 106, 107, 123,
129, 134, 142,158, 167, 182,191, 193, 197,
216, 219, 223, 242, 245, 266, 288.
( Peirce, 40, 42, 44, 157, 268.
J Pearce, 28.
( Pierce, 190.
J Peirpoint, 145, 147.
I Pierpoint, 138.
Pell, 26, 61, 64.
Pemberton, 7, 182.
J Peniman, 3.
} Pennyman, IS.
Person, 19.
Perrj', 131.
PblUlps, 128, 129, 133, 181, 287, 288.
Phip, 224.
Phips, 234.
I Pidgion, 41.
} Pigeon, 181, 215, 247.
Pierce, see Peirce.
Pierpoint, see Peirpoint.
Pigeon, see Pidgion.
Pirn, 41.
Pinkny, 20.
Pitman, 152.
Pitson, 26.
Pitts, 57.
Place, Soutli Market, 106.
Plimoutli, New, 31, 33, 44.
Plin, 1.
Point, Barton's, 132.
Windmill, 61, 94, 103, 104, 108, 109, 112.
Pollard, 4, 39, 104, 222, 229, 290, 295, 305.
Poraroy, 21.
Pond, Wheelers, 209, 217, 219, 221.
Porter, 103.
Potter, 190.
Potwine, 39, 78.
Poumery, 3.
Pratt, 2, 27, 38, 97, 127.
Price, 3, 129, 308.
Prince, 6, 24, 161, 187, 246, 291.
f Procter, 5, 20, 21, 27, 34, 35, 36, 40, 42, 45,
j 48, 85, 99, 106, 109, 151, 181, 193, 201,
1 274, 280, 281.
(.Proctor, 244.
Prout, 1, 11, 66, 94, 98, 100, 106, 107, 125, 138,
145, 165, 182, 223, 2til, 276, 284, 294.
Province, Massachusetts Bay, 31, 67, 72, 116,
119, 124, 205, 232,312.
Pulling, 191.
« Quincy, 150, 152, 174, 182, 241, 261.
( Quinsy, 28.
Rainger, 13, 31.
Rand, 4, 54, 59, 62, 75, 95, 96, 98, 101, 123, 129,
134, 142, 158, 167, 173, 182, 190, 194, 214,
215, 24S, 251, 254, 255.
Rankin, 290.
Kay, 13, 157, 190, 212, 244, 266, 289, 290.
Rea, 85.
Read, 3, 112, 118, 128, 151, 154, 175, 177, 178,
179, 187, 192, 193, 265, 291.
\ Rhode Island, 198, 225, 226.
i Road Island, 52, 53.
Richards, 3, 12, 19, 39, 66, 99, 128, 157, 190,
212, 244, 266.
Richardson, 182, 211, 246, 247, 263.
Ricks, 39, 212, 244, 289.
Ridgaway, 159, 215.
Righton, 267.
River Charles, 219, 224, 262, 270, 281.
Rix, 3, 4, 11, 19, 28, 56, 61, 190.
Road Island, see Rhode Island.
Rogers, 3, 13, 19, 40, 187, 210, 253, 290.
Rolfe, 218.
Rope Walk, Barton's, 133, 151, 155, 168, 262,
266, 282.
Rowe, 1.
Row, Merchants, 42, 44, 132, 284.
Rosbury, 70, 80, 302.
I Royal, 180.
) Royall, 3.
Ruck, 1, 12, 14, 18, 28, 38, 55, 96, 114, 134, 136,
152, 180, 184, 211.
Ruddock, 265, 289, 290.
Rushton, 103.
( Russel, 27, 56, 65.
Russell, 3, 11, 12, 19, 20, 39, 56, 99, 128, 129,
157, 190, 209, 212, 216, 244, 266, 270, 279,
289.
Rydoubt, 29.
Salem, 6.
Balenstal, 39.
S Salisbery, 29, 41.
I Salisbury, 129, 179.
Salmon, 189.
Saltenstall, 49.
{ Salstonstal, 217.
/ Salstonstall, 218.
Salter, 2, 4, 15, 29, 68, 76, 126, 128, 129, 157,
181, 186, 193, 19.4, 209, 211, 220, 222, 243,
245, 249, 250, 252, 266, 270, 288, 290, 292.
Sault, 267, 290.
Savage, 20, 22, 24, 26, 31, 32, 59, 101, 186, 212.
I Save!, 74.
} Savell, 194, 267, 295, 299, 303.
School, North Writing, 31, 35.
School, Free Writing, 109.
North, 18.
Gramar, 167, 193, 202, 213, 246,
265, 292.
Writing, 13, 21, 34, 35, 48, 170,
201, 213, 246, 257, 258, 262,
265, 274, 279, 280, 281, 292,
306, 311.
South, 18.
Gramar, 151.
Gramer, 36.
Grammar, 55, 59, 63, 86, 101,
138, 154, 189, 213, 246, 265,
292,297.
Writing, 21, 213, 246, 250, 265,
292, 295, 297.
( ScoUay, 194.
} ScoUey, 288.
Sconce, The, 77, 271. 282, 298, 300.
South, 25.
Scott, 5, 13, 29,215, 247.
Seavorn, 247.
Seiller, 246.
Selby,26.
Sergent, 18,
Service, 289.
( Sewal, 34.
Sewall, 21, 31, 34, .50, 103, 105, 151,158, 159,
162, 175, 181, 182, 184, 192, 197, 2n6, 222,
223, 224, 230, 232, 234, 240, 248,265, 266,
269, 284, 291, 306.
Sharrow, 126, 130.
Shcad, 40.
Index of Names.
321
rSheaf, 9, 10, 28, 38, 53, 64.
J Shoafe, 59, 75, IS, 191, 216, 251, 257, 258,
} 271, 299.
(.Sheaff, 12.
I Sheibuni, 181, 186.
I Sberbui-ne, Ul, 286.
Sherman, 286.
Sherror, 27.
Shirley, 293.
Showers, 270.
Sigourney, 78, 157, 268, 286, 290.
Simkins, 11.
( Simras, 36.
I Symmcs, 185, 248, 263.
Simpkins, 3, 97.
Simpson, 56, 61, 153, 181, 190, 210, 244, 267,
284, 290, 291.
Skillin, 159.
Skinner, 19, 100, 158, 189, 215, 291.
Smibert, 61, 100, 101, 183.
Smith, 1, 27, 38, 100, 185, 189, 268.
Snelling, 32, 58.
Snow, 304.
Speakman, 263, 286.
Spooner, 7, 20, 182.
Sprague, 252.
Squalr, Dock, 42, 49.
Squar, Dock, 37.
Scxuare, Dock, 35, 36, 40, 61, 70, 80, 91, 92,
93, 102, 132, 229, 231, 259, 260,
307.
South Meeting House, 133.
Squir, Dock, 48.
Stainer, 28, 39, 56, 99, 128.
Stamford, 2S, 53.
Stanford, 19.
Staniford, 12, 49, 53, 56, 61, 84, 85, 86, 96, 127,
151, 156, 171, 185, 211, 219, 222, 224, 234,
242, 251, 262, 270, 271, 277, 281, 299.
Starr, 187.
{Steel, 28, 48, 57, 66, 69, 70, 80, 81, 102, 118,
119, 124, 145, 182, 262, 279, 282,285, 292,
293, 298, 302, 303, 313.
Steele, 293,
Steuart, 83, 84, 209, 217, 224.
Stevens, 159.
Stoddard, 37, 41, 49, 50, 51, 54, 58, 59, 61, 84,
85, 89, 94, 95, 98, 112, 118, 186, 195, 213,
222, 247, 272, 280, 284, 290.
Stone, 40.
Storer, 28, 181, 189.
Street, Ann, 18.
Anne, 132.
Beach, 67.
Beacon, 132, 148, 191, 209, 215, 220.
Beunet, 1, 5, 9, 14, 139.
Bond, 34.
Brattle, 54, 259.
Cambridge, 132.
Common, S3, 84, 88, 89, 191, 215.
Comon, 1, 4.
Cross, 18, 20, 30, 130.
Fish, 11, 14, 132, 195, 202.
Hanover, 132.
King, 11, 14,22,132,144.
Leverett, 132.
Love, 23, 25, 27, 29, 63, 132, 151, 154,
168, 169, 243, 250, 252.
Lyndc, 213.
Lynn, 95.
Marlborough, 133.
Middle, 132.
Milk, 5, 132, 133,295,-303.
North, 83, 85, 88, 89, 95.
Orange, 37, 41, 07, 70, 72, 80, 95, 126,
131, 151, 154, 109, 170, 173, 289.
Pond, 13:), 209, 217.
Prince, 14,95, 100, 131, 1.32.
Queen, 18,21, 24, 101, 132, 201, 213,
246, 265, •J92.
Salcm, 18, 20, 25, 30, 63, 131, 132.
School, 7, 21, 24, 95, 132, 133.
Sconci', 282. 283.
Bca, 112, 138, 142.
Street, Ship, 132.
South, 112.
Sudbery, 20.
Sudbury, 1, 5, 18, 132.
Sumer, 1.
Summer, 5, 9, 133, 161, 166, 282, 283.
Treamount, 132, 208.
Tremouut, 215.
Union, 132.
Water, 37, 41, 45, 49, 129, 132, 197.
West, 133.
Winter, 27, 30, 37, 166, 209, 216, 219,
220 222.
S Sutten, 3.
I Sutton, 50, 54, 58, 128, 213.
Swain, 12.
Sweetser, 157.
Symmes, see Simms.
Tavern, Dolphin, 132.
Taylor, 15, 30, 39, 56, 100, 129, 157, 189, 215,
268, 273.
Teft, 113.
Temple, 125.
Tewksbery, 55.
( Thacher, 83, 106, 125, 137, 145, 182, 183.
) Thatcher, 1, 11, 22, 24, 26, 42, 137.
Thayer, 157, 252.
Thomas, 15, 19, 28, 38, 42, 56, 58, 61, 96, 127,
156, 181, 185, 194, 195, 201, 211, 212, 214,
244, 245, 247, 266, 267, 288, 290.
( Thompson, 206.
( Tompson, 29.
Thornton, 3, 12, 19, 3% 75, 128, 157, 212.
Thwing, 11, 13, 29, 58, 244, 247.
Thyng, 19.
Tilestone, 112, 114, 116, 266.
Tilly, 40.
Tompson, see Thompson.
( Torrey, 56, 103, 154, 166, 243, 250, 251, 255,
} 285, 292.
( Tovry, 3, 31, 40.
Tothill, 2.
Townsend, 3, 12, 29, 37, 112, 145, 157, 180.
Towns Slip, The, 89, 173, 193, 202.
( Traill, 182.
) Trayle, 21, 42.
Training Field, The, 191.
Trayle, see Traill.
Trott, 56.
True, 56, 78, 129, 244.
Tucker, 131, 159, 263.
Tuckerman, 247.
Tudor, 216.
Turell, 4, 56, 128, 151.
Tutthil, 55.
Tuttle, 14, 18, 27, 38, 97, 127, 153, 185, 263.
Tyler, 4, 5, 12, 18, 25, 27, 30, 34, 35, 36, 49,
55, 78, 79, 96, 100, 101, 110, 114, 118, 124,
13:3, 134, 136, 152, 180, 184, 185, 186, 190,
192, 194, 202, 211, 220, 245, 263, 279, 286,
292, 294.
Tylor, 26, 36.
Tyng, 99, 100, 128, 182, 267.
Uxb ridge, 50.
Vail, 20.
Valentine, 191.
Vans, 135, 138, 145, 147, 151, 175, 178, 195, 201,
203, 205, 208, 222, 229, 264, 287.
(Vassal, 214.
( Vassal 1, 244, 286.
Vial, 189.
I Viall, 299.
Vinal, 154.
Viuleuou, 247.
Wadsworth, 1, 4, 11, 13, 18, 20, 23, 27, 29, 34,
36, 38, 41, 57,60, 78, 88, 91, 92,94,96, 103,
104, 105, 127, 132, 135, 158, 172, 184, 195,
209, 224, 244, 250, 251, 266, 270, 283, 288,
305.
Wakefield, 128.
322
City Document No. 66.
147,
148,
283,
178.
t Walcot, 30.
I Walcutt, 267.
Waldo, 1, 5, 9, 10, 11, 20, 32, 34, 138, 145,
158, '25j), 273, 306, 307, 309, 311.
Walker, '27, 74, 89, 94, 100, 103, 118, 124,
149, 150, 155, 181.
Walley, 126, 129, 182, 262, 269, 276, 281,
305.
Wallis, 155, 194, 288, 290, 299.
( Wardal, 175.
) Wardall, 154.
Warde, 39.
I Wardel, 12, 28, 30, 193.
I Warden, 3, 19, 176, 177, 202, 203, 204,
208, 210.
\¥arden, 41, 128, 182, 189, 217.
Ware, 69.
Warner, 4, 181.
Watch Merchant's, 52, 166.
Waters, 39, 252.
( Wats, 2.
) Watts, 2, 18, 27, 29, 42, 45, 48, 97, 175
Watson, 7, 12, 19, 28, 38, 48, 58, 66, 69, 70, 80
96, 102, 127, 134.
Watt, 182, 247.
Webb, 10, 26, 30, 157, 164, 181, 182, 187, 290
291, 294.
Webber, 14.
Webster, 128.
Weite, 18.
Welch, 141, 157, 182.
Welland, 30, 100.
Welles, 7, 8, 16, 17, 22, 23, 31, 32, 42, 53,
67, 68, 69, 72, 73, 74, 80, 83, 104,
110, 111, 114, 118, 125, 159, 160,
182, 224, 234, 246, 265, 266, 269,
272, 273, 274, 288, 298, 300.
L Wells, 13, 182, 215, 269.
Wellis, 49.
Welsted, 31, 208.
Welsteed, 152, 187, 265, 291.
fWendaI,14,40, 48.
I Wendall, 11, 12, 18.
I Wendell, 4, 41, 50, 51, 55, 57, 60, 62, 65.
69, 75, 80, 89, 96, 103, 105, 110, 111,
115, 125, 127, 131, 133, 134, 136, 152,
179, 180, 182, 183, 184, 180, 211, 213,
245, 248, 263, 266, 267, 279, 283, 286,
291, 298, 300, 307.
Wentworth, 129, 284, 291.
West, 59.
West Indies, 120.
Wethered, 152, 263.
Wharf, The, 9, 18, 48, 63, 64, 65, 70, 80.
Bull, 133, 166, 209, 218, 221.
Bull's, 113.
Clark's, 60, 62.
Eliot's, 64.
■ Gallop's, 195.
,61,
106,
176,
271,
66,
114,
162,
230,
287,
Wharf, Henry Webb's 61.
Long, 22, 26, 32, 60, 62, 74, 75, 89, 119,
132, 139, 143, 144, 145.
North Battery, 101, 148, 149, 150, 155.
Ked Lion, 132.
Wenlworths, 20.
Wharfs, Out, 17, 25.
Wheatly, 219.
Wheeler, 13, 83, 100, 112, li3, 252, 263.
Wheelwright, 21, 22, 23, 56, 175, 181, 250, 273,
275, 278, 282, 283, 299, 305.
Whetmare, 27.
White, 2, 3, 12, 18, 19, 22, 25, 26, 27, 30, 34, 35,
62, 74, 75, 100, 128, 157, 159, 190, 212, 244,
245, 263, 266, 275, 278, 279, 281, 286, 289.
Wbiterage, 27, 29.
I Whittemore, 55.
I Whittmore, 153, 158.
Whittrage, 31, 34.
Wilks, 10.
Willard, 132, 182, 183, 231, 291.
' Williams, 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, 20,
21, 25, 26, 29, 35, 37, 41, 42j 45, 54, 55,
58, 59, 61, 86, 95, 96, 101, 102, 110, 126,
128, 129, 133, 1-tl, 153, 157, 160, 161, 175,
18"2, 187, 193, 212, 247, 248, 254, 255, 258,
262, 263, 264, 267, 287, 290, 293, 298, 302,
303.
Willians, 1.
iWillims, 1.
Willis, 13, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 72, 80, 81,
285, 293, 294.
Williston, 284, 288.
Willoughby, 66, 69, 70, 80, 81, 102, 134,
ler, 185, 214, 249, 268, 287, 288.
Wiloufi;hby,- 48.
Wilson, 267, 290.
Wing, 13. 19, 247.
( Winisimet, 89.
} Winnisimet, 188, 208.
Winslow, 4, 30, 38, 49, 55, 67, 72, 73, 75, 79,
88, 96, 109, 126, 127, 135, 190, 223, 232, 250,
257, 283.
Winter, 185, 186, 215, 252, 299.
Winthrop, 2, 4, 59, 128, 131, 212, 265, 306,307,
309, 311.
Wise, 214.
S Wiswal, 22, 193.
/ Wiswall, 6, 7, 22, 165, 167, 202.
Wolcott, 59.
WoUand, 4, 13, 19.
Wood, 99, 105.
Woodhouse, 263.
Woodstock, 50,
Wroe, 38.
Teamans, 206.
Young, 3, 12, 39, 65, !
265, 270.
3,128,129,157,181,187,
INDEX TO PLACES AND SUBJECTS.
Almes House, 16, 108, 111. 113, 114, 115, 121,
237, 270, 273, 278,279,281, 295. {See also
Workhouse.)
inne | street, IS, 132.
Arms, presented to the town,l, 2.
Assemblj' or Court, General, 6, 7, 8, 23,24, 25,
32, 33, 40 43, 45, 50, 52, 54, 55,
* 76,78,79,84,86,87,91,04,104,
105, 110, 111, 112, 114, 116, 118,
119, 124, 126, 131, 145, 146, 147,
148, 149, 150, 163, 172, 174, 175,
177, 178, 179, 192, 197, 201, 203,
205, 208, 218, 219, 224, 231, 232,
233, 241, 245, 251, 256, 261, 269,
272, 275, 276, 281, 284, 294, 295,
301, 302,304,306,312.
presentments to, 76, 177, 178, 179,
231, 275,206.
Assessors, 16. 61, 83, 86, 107, 118, 152, 178,
193, 243, 247, 250, 297, 301, 303.
abatement by, 5, 11, 16, 22, 31, 86,
93, 107, 130, 142, 167, 197, 224, 258,
277,231,301.
appointed, 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 16, 19,
28, 38, 58, 76, 86, 96, 127, 151,
152, 156, 185, 211, 245, 266, 288.
Assize of Bread. {See Breadstuffs.)
Barricade, tbe, 25.
Barton's point, 132.
ropewalb, 133, 151, 155, 168, 262,
263, 282.
Batteries, 302.
defenceless condition of, 233.
condition of tbe, 243, 245.
appropriation for repairs, 256.
repairs of the, 262, 271.
Battery, North, 6, 63, 02, 76, 86, 243, 256, 262,
264, 271, 2D7, 300.
wharf, 0, 26, 62, 101, 148,149,
150, 155.
South, 22, 25, 60, 63, 77, 243, 256,
271, 232, 237, 293, 295, 297, 298,
300, 302, 303, 305.
at the South End, 77.
ground, 248, 253, 254, 287, 292, 293,
297 298, 299.
lands', 293] 298^ 300, 302, 303.
Beach street, 67.
Beacon, to erect a, 1.50.
Beacon street, 132, 148, 191, 209, 215, 220.
Beech, (Beach) the, 103, 132, 170.
ehcumb'Tcd, etc., 103, 170.
flats and meadow grounds,
283.
Beer lane, 126, 131, 151, 154, 168, 169.
Bell alley, 132.
Bells, ringing of, 40, 45, 95, 101, 102, 134, 209,
213.
Betinet street, 1, 5.
watch-house at comer of, 139.
Bills, appropriated, 34.
of credit, 07, 79, 87, 146, 199, 226, 249,
268, 28S.
of Rhode Island, 52, 53, 198, 226.
ProviQce, 31,203,297.
(old tenor) 199, 201, 227, 223,
297, 305.
(new tenor) 199, 201, 227, 229.
{See also I'Mnance, statistics.)
Births, record of, 110, 126, 130, 1.33, 134.
deaths, record of, 110, 126, 130, 133,
134.
Blind lane, 133.
Bond street, 34.
Bonds. (See Sureties. )
Books. (See Records, etc.)
Boston, 1, 0, 10, 16, 17, 18, 21, 24, 25, 26, 31,
32, 35, 36, 37, 42, 47, 48, 50, .51, 52, 53,
54, 66, 68, 69, 72, 74, 79, 80, 82, 83, 85,
87, 83, 89, 90, 91, 93, 94, 95, 98, 105, 106,
107, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 115, 116, 117,
118, 119, 120, 121 , 122, 123, 124, 125, 126,
130, 131, 133, 136, 137, 1-38, 141, 142, 143,
145, 146, 147, 149, 150, 151, 155, 158, 159,
161, 163, 168, 172, 173, 174, 175, 177, 180,
183, 186, 187, 190, 192, 195, 196, 197, 201,
203, 204, 205, 207, 208, 217, 218, 223, 224,
225, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 241, 242, 243,
246, 247, 24S, 250, 252, 256, 257, 258, 2.59,
260, 2P1, 264, 26S, 276, 277, 230, 281, 283,
284, 286, 287, -^91 , 292, 293, 294, 297, 302,
303, 304, 30% 306, 307, 308, 309, 311, 312.
Boston Neck. (SVe Neck, the.)
Brattle street, 54, 259.
Bread stuffs, 15, 120, 214, 249, 268, 288.
assize of bread, 312. (See also
Grain.)
Bridge, mill, 5, 132.
swin?, 21.
over Charles river, 219, 224, 234, 262,
270.
from western part of town to Col.
Phips' farm (Charles river), 2.34.
Bridewcl (Bridewell). (See House of Cor-
rection.)
British America, 120.
Building, petition to erect, 284.
to erect a windmill, 295.
dismissed, 84.
allowed, Joseph Clewly,
302.
to be removed, 171, 172.
Buildinars. (See Lands or Buildings.)
Bull's wharf, 113, 133, 166, 209, 218, 221. (See
also Wharves.)
Bulls, town. (,?<;« Cattle, etc.)
Burial places, 83. 84, 159, 160, 162, 167, 176,
191,203.
on the Common, 7, 58, 78, 142,
191.
South, 29, 35, 48, 50, 142, 166,
188 24.3 250.
Old burying place, 208,215,250.
digging of graves, 29, 35, 284,
291.
By-laws. (See Orders, town.)
Cambridge, 281.
street, 132.
Cape Breton, 233.
Castle, the, 271, 272, 274, 275.
Island, 272, 274, 275. (See also Forti-
fications.)
William. (5ee Castle, the.)
Cattle, 54, 96, 142.
laws pertaiuiug to, 59, 126, 133, 141,
143.
Charities, 178, 285, 294.
Charles IMvcr, bridge over, 219, 224, 234, 262,
270, 281.
324
City Document jSTo. 6(3.
Charlestown Ferry, 100, 131.
Chimnies, 155, 1S3, 196, 197, 285, 293, 296.
sweeping of, 152, 183, 188, 193, 196,
197, 293, 295, 296.
sweepers, 196, 295, 296. {See
also Orders, town.)
Church Greeu, ineeting-hou<e iit, 62, 65, 161,
Clark's whnrf, GO, 62. {See also Wharves.)
Clerk of the Peace, 2.
Coasters. {See Ships.)
Cold lane, 5, 6, 132.
Commerce. (.See Trade.)
Common, the, 132, 133, 149, 209, 216, 218, 220,
222.
highway in, 1,4, 9.
marsh iu, 5, 9, 54, 59, 126.
huryins place ou, 7, 5S, 142.
school-house ou, 9, 133.
trees on, 54, 58, 59, 75, 77, 78.
row of posts, ( tc, 58, 59, 191.
cattle on, 59, 126, 133, 14], 142.
gun-house on, 83, 84, 142, 143.
training field, 191.
bull-house ou, 142.
powder-house, 209, 217, 218,
219, 220, 221, 222, 243, 250,
252.
■workhouse at upper end of,
230, 248.
Common shore, i. e. sewer. {See Drains.)
Common street, 1, 4, 83, 84, 88, 89, 191, 215.
Concord, 125.
Corners : —
Baker's, 132.
Boucher's, 132.
Bowdoin's, 132.
Bradford's, 132.
BuU's, 103.
Byles', 132.
Colson's, 9.
Cox's, 132.
Gee's, 131.
Mountfort's, 132.
Peirce's, 132.
Penniman', 132.
Coroners, petition for allowance, 262, 269.
Council, members of the, 297, .306.
address to, 79, 87,
119-24, 177-78,
205-8, 232-33.
allowance, 177.
County tax, 178.
Court, General. (5'ee Assembly.)
of general or quarter sessions, 6, 8, 51,
72, SO, 82, 90, 98, 136, 137, 142, 1-56,
186, 197, 205, 263, 269, 278, 286, 296,
297, 304, 311.
of Common Pleas, 51, 105, 303, 304.
Superior, 51, 117, 203, 204, 297, 303, 304,
305.
Inferior, 51, 297, 303, 304.
House, 241, 261.
Cow lane, 133.
Cow-keepers, appointed, 127, 129, 153, 158,
185, 190, 212, 244, 267, 290,
301.
allowance, 141.
Cross street, 18, 20, 30, 130.
Deaths, record of. {See Births.)
Dedham, 50, 51.
Deer, law for the preservation, of etc., 242,
244.
broach of, informers against, 244,
267, 290.
Deer Island, 295, 303.
Disease, infectious, prevention of, 11, 14, 15,
280, 282. {See also Small-pox.)
Distilleries and distilling, 108, 120, 132.
Dock, the, 5, 6, 49, 70, 81, fi6, 118, 119, 131,
132, 163, 202, 259, 304.
market near, 44, 46, 48, 65, 102,
171, 259.
land, 5, 15, 46, 65, 80.
Dock, the, land and warehouse at, 46, 55,
1.31.
private (called Merchants') at, 50,
52, 106.
watcb-house at, 139.
porters at, 103, 105.
Oliver's, 132.
Dock square, 91, 92, 93, 10?, 132, 259, 260, 307.
old buildings in, 23, 31, 35, 36,
37, 40, 42, 49.
lease of shops in, 229-30, 231.
encroachments ou, 40.
market-place in, 259.
house (Fancuil) to be
erected, 259, 260, 306,
307.
claims on, 40, 48, 61.
land at, 70, SO.
Dolphin tavern, 132. {See also Taverns.)
Drains, 42, 48, 50, 166, 183, 188, 202. {See
also under the several streets.)
Education, 292.
iu the workhouses, 237. {See
also Schools.)
Elme Pasture, 34.
Engine, water. {See Fires.)
England, 50.
Europe, 79, 87, 120, 233.
markets (commercial) of, 120.
Excise (inland tax), 201. {See also Taxes.)
Exports, 120. {See also Ships.)
Families, 15, 124, 237.
Faneuil market, 259, 260, 306, 307.
hall, 307, 308, 309.
offices, etc., .307, 311.
town records in, 311.
portraits in, 308, 309.
town meeting at, 311.
Perry, the (Winnisiraet?) 48, 83, 84, 85, 88,
89.
Finance, statistics of, 200, 227-28.
Fire, water engines, 257, 258.
men, 37, 41, 54, 58, 01, 100, 126, 128, 151,
154, 183, 1^6, 209, 213, 243, 248-49,
262, 265, 284, 291.
allowance, 95, 249.
Fire wards, 262, 265.
Fish, laws concerning, 46, 70, 71, 81. {See
also Markets, and Wharves.)
Fish street, 11, 14, 132, 195.
Fisheries, 120, 233.
French, 120.
Flatts,the. {See Lands or buildings, town's.)
Fort Hill, 62, 84, 213, 248, 249, 253, 254, 255,
257, -.^62, 264, 285, 286, 287, 292, 293, 295.
Fort Point channel, 77.
fortress at, 62, 75.
wharf at, 62, 63. {See
also Fortitications.)
Fortifications, 55, 57, 59, 00, 61, 62, 03, 66, 75,
84, 86, 131, 162, 176, 233,213,
245, 258, 237, 208, 270, 271, 272,
274, 275, 273, 277, 285, 289, 297,
298, 2r>9, 300,301, 302.
decayed condition of, 54, 63, 64,
76, 78, 84, 86,. 8S, 91, 92, 93.
to provide, 231, 2o9.
Foster lane, 132.
Fox Hill, 126, 175, 176.
broken marsh near, 165, 173.
France, 72.
Frog lane, 83, 84, 88,. 89.
Gallop's wharf, 195. {See also Wliarves.)
Goal {Gaol or Jail), 189, 249, 2-53.
imprisoned in for
debt, 183, 189, 249,
253.
Governor, the, 8, 24, 25, 33, 43, 66, 86, 146,
28(1, 283, 285, 297, 302.
address to, 79, 87, 119-24, 177-
78, 205-8, 232-33, 275.
Index to Places and Subjects.
325
Governor, the, message from 270.
petition to, 271, 2S7, 292.
reply, 293.
portrait presented by, 309,311.
Governour's Island, 272, 274, 275.
Grain, 15, 17, 42, 45, 47. 61, 120, 153, 1S5, 214,
216, 217, 220, 249, 251, 26S, 270, 2S5, 2SS,
292, 294, 295, 304.
Granaries, 6, 7, 10, 15, 17, 21, 37, 41, 52, 53,
61, 95, 102, 120, 133, 153, 160, 161, 162,
165, 166, 175, 176, 185, 187, 188, 191, 209,
214, 215, 220, 249, 262, 26S, 270, 285, 288,
292, 294.
Grave-diggers. (See Sextons.)
Great Britain, 10, 49, 51, 72, 87, 223, 234, 241,
231, 304, .305.
Green lane, 27, 29, 95, 126, 131, 132, 151, 154,
169, 170.
Hallowell's ship yard, 133.
Hanover street, 132.
Harbor, the, 280, 283, 297.
Hawavd (haj'ward). (iSee Cowkeeper.)
Hawkins' lane, 132.
Hay, weighing of, etc. (See Weights, etc.)
weigher of, appointed, 208, 210.
Hemp and Flax, surveyor of, 97, 127, 153,
190, 212, 244, 267, 290.
duty on, 123.
paid into treasury, 200,
228.
Henchman's lane, 132.
Hill, the, 132. 133.
Hill's lease, 108, 109, 113.
Hog Island, 206.
Horn lane, 132.
House of Correction, 16, 159, 160.
Impost. (See Trade. )
Indian corn, 214, 268. (See also Breadstuffs.)
Indians, matter pertaining to, 107.
Inoculation, 11, 14, 15. (.SVea/.so Small-pox.)
Intemperance, immorality, profanity, etc.,
laws, 1, 11, 18,26, 37, 54, 104,2.38, 239,251.
Ireland, 72.
Jury, grand, 305.
Justices, 25, 95, 280.
King street, 11, 14, 22, 132, 144.
Kneeland's lane, 132.
Lands or buildings, town's, 9, 45, 53, 243, 245,
2.54, 259, 262,
285, 286, 287,.
293, 298.
at the Dock, 5, 15, 46, 65,
70.
old shops, 23, 31,
36,49.
in School street, 7.
plan of, survey, 9.
claims on, 10.
buildings at almshouse,
16.
Warehouse claimed by
heirs of Elia. Hutch-
inson, 23.
the Flalts, 25, 26, 63, 68,
77, 103, 143, 275, 281,
287, 302.
house in which Nathl.
Williams dwells, re-
pairs, 26.
leases of, 42, 48, 113.
to be surveyed, 45, 147,
149.
quit rent for, 59, 101,108,
302.
on Windmill Point, 61.
town slip, 85, 163, 173, 193, 195.
1,000 acres for free KChool, 110.
at poutherlv end of Cross street, 130.
on the Neclc, 2G2, 264, 268, 283.
Lands, waste, or unappropriated, of the Prov.
ince, 31, 33, 44, 110, 124-25.
grant of, 110, 147, 150, 158, 163, 164,
172, 179, 183.
sale of, 164, 172, 174, 179, 197, 243, 256.
to revert, 207.
lease of, to town, 65. 66, 67, 68, 72-3.
by town, 65, 108, 170, 176,
229, 230, 231, 249, 262, 264,
303.
unapi^ropriated, to settle, 124, 125.
adioiniug almshouse, 281.
title to, 109.
taken by town for debt, 179, 180.
abatement of rent of, 295.
lease refused, 254, 257.
at the batteries, 298, 300.
Lands or buildings : owners, —
Alford, , w.h., 49.
Allen, Deacon , 1., 103.
Allen, Henry, 1., 109.
Baker, Mder , 1., 132.
Barton, , 1., 132, b., 133, 151,
155,168,262,266,282.
Belliugham, Gov. (heirs of,) 1.,
207, 208.
Boucher, , 1., 132.
Bowdoin, James, 1., 132, 139.
Bradford, ,1., 132.
Bvles, , 1., 132.
Colson, , 1., 9.
Cook, Elisha, 1., 7, b., 14.
Cox, , 1., 132.
Cutler, Rev. -. — , 1., 132.
Downe, Thomas, h., & 1., 64, 70,
80.
Eliot, Jacob, 1., 64.
Gee, (Joshua?) l.,131.
Hallowell, , 1., 133.
Hancock, Thomas, 1., 148.
Hill, , 1., 103, d., 108, 1.,
109, 113.
Hubbard, , 1., 133.
Hunt, Alexander, h., 287.
Jackson, , d., 132.
Lillie, Theophilus, 1., 66, 67, 69,
80.
Loring, Daniel, 1., 64.
Marion, Joseph, 1., 112, h., 112.
Mountfort, , 1., 132.
Oliver, Brattle, 1., 287.
Oliver, Capt. , 1., 106.
Pierce , , 1., 132.
Penniman, , I., 132.
Phillips, Jfadam 1., 287.
Phips, Col. I., 224, 234.
Porter, Abel, 1., 103.
Sheaf, ) , 1., 9.
Sheaf, \ Jacob, h., 64.
Wadsworlh, Gapt. , 1., 132.
Welles, Samuel, 1., 67, 68, 69, 72,
. 80.
Wendell, Jacob, I., 2S7.
Wheeler, William, jr., h., & 1.,
112.
Willard, — , 1., 132.
Willis, Jonathan. 64, 65, 66, 67,
69, 70, 72, 80, 81.
Laws, breach of, to prosecute, 251.
concerning qualification of voters, 258,
259, 260.
(See aluo Intemperance, etc.)
Leather, sealers of, 2, 3, 12, 14, 18, 2'^, 3S, 39,
55, 56, 97, 127, 128, 153, 157, 185, 186,
187,212,244,267,290.
Leverett street, 132.
Loudon, 1-iO, 121, 122, .311.
Long wharf, 22, 26, 32, 60, 02, 74, 75, 89, 119,
132, 143, 145.
battery to he btiilded, 60.
(See a/so Wliarvcs.)
Lord's Day, 46, 70, 81, 309.
pr(!aohlt\Kon, at Almeshnuso,! 1 1.
concerning prufanulion of, 239.
326
City Document No. QQ.
Love street, 23, 25, 29, 132, 151, 168, 169, 243,
250, 252-53.
Lynde street, 213.
Lynn, 106.
Lynn street, 95.
Mackarel lane, 132.
Main, province of, unappropriated lands of,
31,33, 44.
Market, 37, 40, 44, 46, 48, 55, 57, 64, 65, 68
69, 71, 80, 88, 90, 95, 97, 98, 99, 102
134, 135, 161, 164, 170, 171, 176, 259
260, 277, 308.
clerks of the, 3, 7, 13, 16, 19, 22, 30
32, 35, 39, 46, 47, 48, 56, 60, 61, 70
71, 78, 81, 82, 85, 91, 92, 93, 99, 102
105, 128, 131, 133. 134, 135, 141, 145
151, 154, 156, 157, 159, 161 , 186, 189
194, 214, 215, 216, 219, 247, 251, 252
257, 267, 272, 290, 299, 306, 307
308.
laws relating to, 46, 47, 48, 70, 71, 72,
77, 81, 82, 209, 216.
forestalling the, 70, 309.
appropriation for, 66.
places, 67, 69, 72, 90, 106, 118, 259.
fish*, 126, 130.
South, 65, 107, 134, 170, 172.
Middle, 134.
North, 134, 170, 172.
Faueuil, 259,306, 309.
offices, etc., in, 307, 311.
Marlborough street, 133.
Marriages, petition concerning publishing
banns of, 284, 288.
Massachusetts Bay, Colony (or Province) of,
72, 119, 124, 205, 312.
unappropriated lands, 31,
33, 124.
bills of credit on, 67.
Medfleld, 50.
Meeting houses or churches, 171,
Old North, 44, 65, 139.
Public (Brattle street) 54, 62, 259.
at Church Green, 62, 65, 161.
Old South, 97.
Mr. Checkley's (Summer st.), 161.
West, 209, 213.
Old Brick church, 284, 288.
Mendon, 50.
Merchants' Row, 42, 44, 132.
warehouse fronting, 284.
Merchants' watch, {See Watch.)
Middle street, 132.
Middlese.^ County, 50.
Militia, the, lines of, 55, 83, 87, 91, 199.
Milk street, 5, 132, 133, 295, 303.
Mill, bridge, 5, 132.
creek, 132.
watch house near, 139. {See
al-to Bridges.)
Mills. {See Windmills.)
Millers, 295, 304.
Navigation. {See Ships — also Commerce.)
Neck, the, 107, 141, 259, 262, 264, 268, 283,
298.
watch at, 139.
marsh on, 264.
Negroes and Mulattoes, laws concerning, 139.
New England, 67, 72, 119, 124, 312.
Newfoundland, 120.
New Plimouth, unappropriated lands of,
31, 33, 44.
Noddle's Island, 206.
North Carolina, 120.
North End, granary at, 52, 53, 95.
market at, 102, 164.
free writing school at, 109.
Granary, 214. {See also Granaries.)
street, 88, 89, 95.
e!ip nt. S3, 83.
Old Brick church, 284, 288. {See also Meet-
ina: houses.)
OldBuryiug Place (Tremont street), 208, 215,
250. (,SVe a^so Burial i)laces.)
Old North meeting house, 45, 98.
market near, 44, 46,
48, 65,102.
land near, 70, 80,
81.
watch house near,
139. {See also
Meeting houses.)
Old South meetinghouse, 97. {See also Meet-
ing houses.)
Oliver's dock, 132. {See also Dock.)
Orangestreet, 37, 41, 67, 70, 72, 80, 95, 126,
131, 132, 151, 154, 169, 173,
289.
land on each side of, 170.
Orders, town, 264.
forestalling the market, and
regulating hucksters, 46, 47,
70, 71, 81, 82, 90, 209, 216,
309, 310-11.
about work-house, 104, 2.30,
231, 234, 240, 251, 252.
concerning tlie granary, 188.
sweeping of chimnies, 188, 193,
196, 197, 293, 295, 296.
scavengers, 17, 277.
concerning ice and snow in the
streets, 277, 278.
measurement of wood, 282
concerning watch, 139, 140.
hay, 155.
weighing, 176,
177,204,205,
210.
cattle, 141.
printed tickets, 50.
pigeons, shooting of, 266, 268.
firing guns in the streets, 266,
269.
breach of, informers against,
244, 251, 267, 290.
weighing with steelyards, 209,
216, 310.
Ordnance, 60, 62, 63, 64, 66, 74, 92, 93, 143,
150, 254, 262, 271, 287, 293, 297, 300, 301.
Oxford, 50.
Paper currency, 195, 198, 223. 225.
to he called in, 199, 227.
( See also Finance.)
Partition, lines, 7-8.
determined 9.
bounds of land at South End, 67.
Poll-tax. (<Se« Taxes.)
Pond lane, 133.
Pond street, 133, 209, 217.
Poor, the, 115, 121, 17», 192, 277, 278, 281,
310, 313.
appropriation for, 6, 17, 22, 30, 41,
86, 110, 142, 173, 195, 224, 257,
283, 305.
alien, 122, 207.
legacy to, 217, 218.
rules concerning, 235-40,
children, 277, 282.
Poor, Overseers of, 1, 6, 14, 16, 37, 41, 53, 99,
104,108,111,113,114,127,
131,134,153,156,158,210,
211, 218, 230, 231, 235, 251,
269, 270, 273, 276, 281, 287,
295.
choice of, 1, 11, 12, 18, 28,
38,55,96,134-35,152,184,
230, 245, 263, 286, 288.
Portraits, (in Faneuil Hall.)
Peter Faneuil, 308.
George III.? 309,311.
Powder a?id ammunition, 209, 217, 218, 2.19,
220, 221, 250, 252, 254, 287, 293, 297, 298,
SOI.
IxDEx TO Places and Subjects.
327
Powder tonse. (^'fe Common.)
Prince street, 14, 95, 100, 131, 132.
Printing, advertisina in the prints, 35, 36, 37,
164, 172,^231, 310.
of tickets, 50.
Province Galley, 122, 233. {See also Ships,
Province tax, 123, 146, 17S, 19S, 199, 226, 260,
295, 304, 312.
Provisions, 273, 280, 283, 310, 313. {See also
Grain.)
sale of, 46, 47, 69, 70, 71, 80, 81,
82, 90.
packing of, 312.
Public Meeting house ( Brattle street), 54, 259.
{See also Meeting houses.)
Queen street, 18, 21, 24, 132.
Rates, collection, 5, 11, 16, 20, 21, 22, 31, 32,
44, 105, 130.
time allowed, 5, 11, 16, 20, 22, 31, 32,
301.
collectors of, choice of, 96, 134, 158,
191,216. (5ee a^so Taxes.)
Rawson's lane, 132, 133.
Records, town's, 9, 40, 45, 48, 107, 113, 300.
hook of, 107, 109.
office for, 40, 48, 311.
plan of, 45.
of land.s, rents, etc., 45, 72.
search through, 94.
of the workhouse, 236.
twelve hooks for collectors, 247.
Red Lion, the, 132. {See also Taverns.)
Red Lion wharf, 132. {See aho Wliarves.)
Registrar, County, choice of, 19, 95, 129, 137,
264, 280.
Rents, records of lands, etc., 45, 67, 72, 231,
264.
Representatives, 1, 6, 7, 16, 17, 21, 22, 25, 26,
31, 32,42,55,83, 86,87,91,
106,125,137,138,143,145,
147,148,150,164,165, 174,
175,177,178,192,193, 201,
208, 219, 222, 225, 251, 262,
275, 27G, 2S4, 292, 294, 295,
297,304,306,307, 311,312.
address to the, 8, 23, 24, 32-
34, 42-4, 79, 119-24, 145-7,
177-78, 197-201, 205-S, 225-
29, 232-33.
house of, 10, 52, 33, 43, 79,
87, 116, 119, 146,
150,177,198,205-
8, 223, 225, 229,
232, 241, 275, 312,
313.
speaker of, 174,
241, 261.
members' allowance, 175,
177,262.
Road (Rhode) Island, 52, 53, 198, 225, 226.
Roxbury, 70, 80, 302.
Rumny Marsh, 1, 2, 18, 27, 31, 38, 44, 48, 50,
52, 53, .55, 58, 71-2, 82, 95, 96, 97, 98, 103,
105, 100,107, 126,127,129, 130,132, 151,
153, 154, 183, 185, 190, 191, 193, 194, 203,
205, 206, 208, 257, 258.
Rye. {See Breadstuffs.)
Salaries, allowed, Thomas Cheever, 2.
Peter Blin, 4.
Pcleg Wiswall, 7, 22, 167.
Edward Mills, 7.
Joseph Wadsworth,20, 29,
41, 78, 105, 135, 158, 195,
224, 250, 283, 305.
Jonathan Williams, 21, 41,
45, 102, 133, 153.
Jeremiah Gridley, 22.
Richard Whittrage, 34.
JJr. Zobdicl BoylstoD, 36.
Salaries, allowed, John Lovell, 36, 86, 138
189, 297. '
Zech. Hicks, 40, 95, 101,
170, 279, 297.
John Chambers, 40.
Samuel Holyoke, 41, 95,
101, 202.
Isaac Peirce, 44-5.
John Proctor, 48, 109, 201.
Belcher Hancock, 49-50.
Samuel Gibson, 95, 101, 154.
Sendall WiUiams, 95, 101.
Samuel Clark, 95, 101.
William Rand, 95.
Mrs. Abihail, Chamber-
lain, 95.
Capt. James Watson, 102,
134.
Capt. John Steel, 102.
Francis Willoughby, 102,
134, 185, 249, 2138, 288.
Samuel Gcrrish, 130.
John Foster, 134.
John Chcckley, 172.
Gershom Kcyes, 172.
Samuel Allen, 250.
William Salter, 252.
Thomas Jackson, 309.
{See also Representatives,
Schools, Sextons, Fire-
men, the Watch, etc.)
Salem, 6.
Salem street, 18, 20, 25, 30, 131, 132.
Salisbury, 179.
Scavengers, work and duties of, 17, 157, 264,
277.
choice of, 4, 13, 19, 30, 39, 56,
100, 129, 157, 189, 215, 247, 267,
290, 291.
School street, 7, 24, 95, 132, 133.
Schools, 194.
master at Rumny Marsh, 1, 2, 27, 38.
salary of, 2, 27, 38, 48, 58
usher, 4.
salary, 4, 6.
inspectors of, 4, 39.
visitation of, 14, 20, 28, 78, 104, 111,
126, 129, 153, 183, 187, ISS, 209,
212, 213, 243, 246,262,264,265,285,
291, 292.
free, 1,000 acres of land for, 110.
statistics, 213. 246, 265, 292.
Grammar (i?]"orth), 7, 202, 213, 246,
265, 292.
master, 18, 36.
salary, 7.
167.
usher, 193, 202.
(South), 55, 69, 213, 246,
265, 292.
master, 18, 59-60,
86,138,189,297.
usher, 63, 101,
1.51.
at upper end of Bond street, 34.
Writing, 7, 8, 108, 280.
masters, 6, 8, 21, 36, 201,
297, 306.
inspectors of, 8.
North, 31, .34, 35-6, 170, 201,
213,240,257,258,262,
265,274,279,280,281,
292, 30G, 311.
master, 35-6.
assistants, 36, 40.
In Queen street, 101, 201,
213, 246,
2G5, 292.
oastcr, 41,
95, 101,
202.
at North End, 109.
South, 213, 246, 250, 205, 202,
295, 297.
328
City Doctbient No. 6Q.
Sconce, ye. (See Batteiy, South.)
Sconce street, 2S3.
SciiBtrcet, 112,138, 142.
Seloetiucu, choice of, 1, 5, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18,
27, 38, 39, 55, 00, 126, 127, 137-38, 152, 184,
209, 243, 245, 202, 285.
Settlers. (6Ve Lnnds, unappropriated.)
Sextons or grave-diggers, petition, 29, 35, 83,
84, 243, 250, 262,
2GS, 284, 291.
allowance, 102, 134.
petition about
banns, 284, 288.
SharroTV, George, case of, 130.
Ship street, 132.
Shipping. (See Ships, etc.)
Ships, vessels, etc., 120, 122, 144, 150, 233.
builders ajid building, 121, 298.
yards, 133.
of war, 232, 233, 280, 283.
privateers, 233.
coasters, to be protected, 280, 283.
Slips, town's, 85, 89, 168, 173, 193, 195, 202.
at North street, 83, 88.
end of Wood lane, 191, 202. (See
also Wharves.)
Small-pox, 11, 14, 15, 280, 282. (See also Dis-
ease, infectious.)
South Burying place, 35, 48, 50, 166, 188, 243,
250.
grave-digger's petition,
243, 250. (See also
Burial places.)
South Carolina, 120.
South End, market at, 44, 46, 48, 64, 66, 69,
102, 107, 164.
land at, 65, 66, 67, 68.
bounds, 67.
• highway at, 277.
paving of, 284, 289.
to erect a battery at, 77.
highway, encumbered, 94.
bells, 101.
watch-house at, 139.
South Meeting house square, 133.
South Sconce. (See Battery, South.)
South street, 112.
Southack's court, 132.
Streets, paving, 1, 5, 6, 9, 11, 14, 17, 18, 20,
22, 23, 27, 30, 31, 37, 41, 42, 44, 95,
100, 107, 126, 129, 131, 136, 151, 154,
168, 169, 170, 173, 243, 250, 252, 253,
284, 289.
common sewers, 42, 166.
rounds of the watch, 139, 140.
to be kept cleaner, 285, 294.
dirt of, 184.
encumbered by ice and snow, 262,
277.
(See also the folloxcing : — )
Anne, Beach, I5eacon, Beer lane,
Bell alley, Bennet, Blind lane.
Bond, Brattle, Cambridge, Cold
lane, Common, Cow lane. Cross,
Dock square. Fish, Foster lane.
Frog lane. Green lane, Hanover,
Hawkins' lane. Henchman's lane,
Horn lane. King, Kneeland's lane,
Leverett, Love, Lynde, Lynn,
Mackarel lane, Marlborough, Mid-
dle, Milk, North, Orange, Pond
lane. Pond, Prince, Queen, Raw-
eon's lane, Salem, School, Sconce,
Sea, Ship, South, South Meeting-
house square, Southack's court,
Sudbury, Summer, Treamouut
(Tromont), Lnion, Water, West,
Wing's lane, Winter, Wood lane.
(See a^.so Ways, etc.)
Sudbury street, 1, 18, 20, 132.
Suffolk County, 50, 51, 67, 72, 82, 90, 95, 112,
116, 118, i36, 137, 141, 142, 186, 195, 197,
201, 207, 211, 246, 263. 269, 280, 286, 304,
311.
Suits: —
vs. Eliak™. Hutchinson's heirs, 10, 15,
23.
Henry Gibbs, to prosecute, 61.
James Everill's heirs, 94, 131, 184,
203, 204.
Thomas Palmer, 131.
Thomas Cushing et al. vs. Palmer, 40.
Summer street, 1, 5, 9, 133, 161, 282, 283.
common sewer, 166.
Sureties, bonds to be given as, 53, 59, 134,
179, 186, 191, 196, 216, 242, 251, 270, 301.
Surveying. (See Lands.)
Sutton, 50.
Swing-bridge, 21.
Taverns : —
Dolphin, 132.
Red Lion, the, 132.
Orange Tree, the, 132.
Tax, books, 178.
Province. (See also Province Tax.)
ministers', 178.
County. (See also County Tax.)
Taxes, 118, 119, 121, 134, 151, 167, 177, 178,
194, 195, 198, 201, 207, 223, 225, 233,
242, 280, 312, 313.
levied for town charges, etc., 6, 9, 14,
17, 22, 30, 41, 64, 86, 110, 142, 151,
173, 192, 2-24.
poll, and estate, 64, 86, 93, 110, 151,
173, 195, 224, 257, 283, 305.
collectors of, 52, 53, 59, 75, 96, 107,
127, 130, 134, 138, 142, 152, 158, 167,
184, 191, 197, -^16, 218, 219, 223-4,
233, 234, 240, 241, 242, 251, 257, 258,
269, 270, 271, 277, 281, 285, 294, 299,
301. (See al.w Kates.)
■ abatement of, 116, 118, 124, 126.
allowance. (See Collectors of.)
the Excise, 201. (See also Trade.)
Tombs, drain from, 42, 48, 50, 166, 183, 188.
opening, 29, 35.
brick wall to be erected, 208.
permit to build, 215.
Town, houses or lands belonging to. (See
Lands.)
House, 1,6,10, 16, 21, 24, 25,26,31,35,
37, 40, 42, 48, 50, 52, 53, 54, 62,
69, 74, 80, 83, 88, 91, 93, 94, 95,
105, 106, 107, 112, 116, 118,
124, 125, 137, 141, 147, 149,
151, 161, 164, 173, 183, 192,
203, 208, 229, 231, 241, 243,
258, 261), 261, 268, 284, 305.
cellars under, let, 3^3.
meetinss, 1, 7, 9, 10, 16, 17. 18, 21, 23,
24, 25, 26, 31, 32, 35, 36,37, 42,48,50,
52, 53, 54, 62, 65, 66, 69, 74, 80, 83, 88,
90,91,93,9-1, 95, 105, 106, 112, 116,
118, 124, 125, 137, 141, 145, 147,
149, 151, 160, 161, 161, 173, 174, 185,
192, 203, 208, 218, 229, 231, 233, 241,
243, 256, 258, 260, 261, 268, 276, 277,
280, 283, 284, 286, 291, 294, 305, 306,
311.
dock. (See Dock, the.)
granary. (See Granaries.)
officers, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,
16,18, 27,28,58,96, 126, 127,152,158,
219, 243, 261, 262, 263, 284, 288.
records. (See Records.)
present to, of Arms, 1, 2.
supply of wood for the, 159, 172, 175,
,2t)7,' 274, 27S, 281, 282.
grain purchased for use of, 15, 17, 42,
45, 61, 214, 216, 220, 249, 270, 292.
military division of, 127.
loans to, 15, 76, 78.
proportion of the £60,000, 209, 217.
labor for, 45.
Townships, 33, 44, 124, 125, 147, 149, 150, 158,
160, 161,172, 175, 179, 186, 190, 194, 203,
205, 207, 257, 267, 269, 282,302,
Index to Places and Subjects.
329
Trade, condition of, 119-21, 146, 195, 198,207,
223, 225. 232, 313.
impost, 122, 198, 226, 232, 233.
interests, 178.
importations, 198, 225.
eommi-rce, 198, 226.
Trades exercised in worli-honse, 237, 238.
Training- lield, 191. {See aho Common.)
Travel, late and unseasonable, 285, 293.
Treamount (Treraont) street, 132, 20'<, 215.
Treasurer, county, choice of, 2, 19, 29, 37, 56,
97, 9S, 129, 136, 152, 184, 186, 211, 246,
285, 288.
Trees on the Common, 54, 53, 59, 75, 77, 78.
Truckmen, petition of the, 27, 29, 34.
Union street, 132.
Uxbridge, 50.
Voting, law concerning, 45.
Wards or Precincts, division of town into,
127, 131.
new division, hounds and names, 131,
132, 133.
overseers for, 136, 137.
"Watch, appropriation, 6, 17, 22, 30, 41, 52, 86,
J39,
at the Foi'tification, 131.
more effectual, 136, 138.
private (called Merchants'), at the
dock, 50, 52, 166.
rounds of the, 139, 140.
inspector of, 140.
delinquents, 140.
allowance, S3, 84, 140.
candles for, 140.
coal for, 140.
report of committee on, 142.
men, 40, 126, 139.
petition, 37, 130.
houses, 139, 140.
at South End, 139.
town house, 139.
dock head, 139.
northward of Mill creek, 139.
standing at 8.E. corner of
Bonnet street, 139.
Water street, 37, 41, 45, 49, 129, 132, 197.
Ways, 194.
surveyors of, 5, 13, 19, 61, 97, 102, 127,
157, 190, 212, 244, 267, 290, 294.
petition for, 22.
to be kept free from ice and snow, 277.
cleaner, 285, 294.
in Rumny marsh, 31, 107.
in Summer street, 5,
appropriation for paving, 6.
Common street, paving, 1.
highway in, 4.
widening, 83, 84, 88,
89.
Sudbury street, paving, 1, 5, 20.
nenr, paving, 18.
Summer street, highwaj- in, 1.
paving, 9.
Bonnet street, paving, 1, 9, 14.
in School street, 7, 21, 24.
in Fish street, paving, 11, 14.
Common, the, highway in, 1, 4, 9.
bounds, 9.
Cold lane, paving. 5, 6,.
near Love street, 23, 25, 27, 29, 63.
paving, 151,108, 169,
243, 250, 252-53.
King street, paving, 11, 14, 22.
alley in Benuet street, paving, 14.
leading into I'rincc street, paving, 14.
Salem street, paving, 18, 20, 30.
in Salem street, 25, 63.
Cross street, paving. 18, 20, .30.
at southerly end of, 130.
near Ann street, ])aving, IS.
new lane from Queen tstrcet, 18, 21,24.
Winter street, paving, 27, 30, 37.
Ways, Green lane, paving, 95, 126, 131, 154.
163,'"170.
enlarging, 29.
Wood lane, paving, 154, 168, 169, 173.
Dock square, encroachments, 40.
Merchants' Row, paving, 42, 44.
Water street, obstructions, 45, 49.
Frog lane, widening, 83, 84, 8S, 89.
at tiie slip in North street, 83, 88, 89.
round Windmill point, 104, 1G9,- 112.
Orange street, 37, 41.
paving, 95, 126,131, 151,
154, 169, 170, 173.
School street, paving, 95.
North street, paviu-g, 95.
Lynn street, paving, 95.
Prince street, paving, 95, 100.
on the Neck, 107, 2S3, 29S.
at bottom of South. street, 112.
Beer lane, paving, 126, 131, 154, 168,
169.
highway in Sea street, 142, 143.
to be kept unincumbered,
143.
Orange street to be preserved from
tides, 170.
incumbered 144.
on Long wharf to be kept free, 145.
near town slip to bo kept open, 168.
between South End and the Fortifica-
tion, 277, 281, 289.
Fort hill and Battery ground, to re-
cover from encroachments. 248, 254,
255, 264, 287, 293, 297, 298, 302, 303.
encumbrances to be removed, 287,
292, 293, 297.
nuisance at lower end of Milk street,
295, 303.
through Barton's ropewalk, 266, 282.
encroachments on Battery ground and
flats, by Col. Jacob Wendell, and
othern, 2^7, 300.
Mr. Parkman, 287.
Mr. Ingcrsoll, 287, 298.
on town flats, .302, 303.
Alexander Hunt, 287.
Weights, measures, etc., 310.
weighing of hay, 151, 155, 159, 162,
163,175, 176, 177, 193, 202, 203,
204, 210.
fraud in, to prevent, 55, 66,243,250,
251, 255, 274.
rules as to, 163, 204-5.
of grain, 251.
of wood, 282, 312.
Weighing with steelyards, law concerning,
209, 216, 310.
Well at the Town dock, 6.
Wentworth's wharf, 20. (^See a ^so Wharves.)
West Indies, 120.
West Meeting house (Lynde street), 209, 213.
{See aluo Meeting houses.)
West street, 133.
Wharves, 18.
near North Battery, 6, 26, 62, 148, 149,
150, 155.
lease of, 9.
abatement of rent,
101.
South Battery, 298.
out, 17, 25, 20, 53, 54, 58.
watch for, 140.
Long, 22, 26, 32, 60, 62. 74, 75, 89,
119, 132, 143, 145.
incumbrances, 74.
formerly Henry Webb's, 61.
sale of iish,46, 70-71,81.
across the town's slip, 168, 202.
near Fort Point channel, 62.
liberty to erect, 144.
on the flats, 63.
•wharfage, 144, 145.
encumbrances on, 144, 298.
inspectors of wood at, 255.
330
City Document No. QG.
Wtarves, town's, 65, 80, 92.
town's slip, 85.
slip at end of Wood lane, 191, 202.
Eliot's, 04.
Hill's, 103, 108.
Bull's, 113, 133, 209, 218, 221.
Clark's, 60, 62.
Gallop's, 195.
Wentworth's, 20.
Red IJon, 132.
Wheat. (See Creadstuffs.)
Wheeler's Pond, filling up, 209, 217, 219, 221.
Windmill Point, 103.
town's right to, 61.
highway round, 104, 109, 112.
encumbered, 94.
encroached, 103.
land near, 108.
Windmills, on Fort Hill, 84, 295.
removal of, 302,
Wing's lane, 132.
Winnisknet Ferry, 48, 83, 84, 85, 88, 89, 165,
167, 183, 206, 207, 208.
lease of, 167, 188, 189.
farms at, 206, 207.
Winter street, 27, 30, 37, 209, 216, 220, 222.
di'ain in, 166. (common sewer.)
Wood (building) viewers of, 3, 12, 19, 30, 39,
50, 128, 157, 159, 190,212, 224, 266, 289.
purchased for batteries, 302.
cord, 16, 109, 113, 159, 175, 255-56,
274, 278, 281, 2S2, 285, 294.
sealers of, 113, 255, 256.
to pre%'ent fraud in, 166, 170, 243,
2.il,255, 262, 278, 312.
Wood lane, 132, 151, 154, 168, 169, 173, 191,
193, 195, 202.
Woodstock, 50.
Workhouse, 188, 191, 231, 251, 276.
rules and orders, 104, 230, 234-
40, 251, 252.
erection ot, 111, 114, 116, 152,
156, 159, 160, 161, 162, 165, 166,
107, 172, 175, 176, 180-83, 230,
240, 248.
master and other ofliccrs, 235,
236.
names of persons and amounts
by them contributed toward,
180-83.
further appropriation for, 248.
accounts of, examined, 273.
statistics, 273.
lYDi^O
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